EXBOURNE and Jacobstowe Community Association has announced that contracts have been signed to begin construction of the underground community shop on September 5.

Keri Quertier, publicity officer for the project, said: 'The building firm is Mark Hedges Construction Ltd from Sampford Courtney, so a local firm.

'The build should take thirty weeks, subject to the weather, for the digging out phase.'

Following nine years of fundraising for the project, the association received a £90,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund's Local Good programme back in April to open a community shop and café.

The funding received from the Local Food programme is in addition to grants from Devon County Council, the greater Dartmoor LEAF project, the Trusthouse Foundation, the Tudor Trust and other foundations.

The association amassed almost £50,000 of the £320,000 necessary for the project themselves through various fundraising events, including quizzes, sales and community markets.

The shop will sell groceries and locally sourced food. The shop, which will be called The Burrow, will provide villagers with post office services, a book exchange, internet access and a prescription collection point.

The adjoined café will use local seasonal produce where available to provide sandwiches, soups and light snacks.

Once open, it is hoped that a breakfast club for Okehampton College students can also be established.

The shop will replace the one currently run from Exbourne Village Hall by volunteers on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

A letter will be sent out to all residents of Exbourne and Monkokehampton explaining in detail the works to minimise any inconvenience to residents and road users.