A new shop in a rural village which is aiming to act as a 'saving grace' for local residents has been officially opened.

Dereham Times: A new shop has officially opened at The Lodge Griddle & Grill in North Tuddenham, near Dereham. Picture: Matthew Usher PhotographyA new shop has officially opened at The Lodge Griddle & Grill in North Tuddenham, near Dereham. Picture: Matthew Usher Photography (Image: Archant)

The Lodge Griddle & Grill in North Tuddenham, near Dereham, has had a shop added to the building which was opened on Tuesday, March 12.

It is hoped that the shop will tackle the issues that those living rurally can often face in needing to travel to bigger towns in order to buy goods.

The shop was officially opened by Norfolk county councillor Bill Borrett, who said: 'I am really excited by this project and very pleased that Norfolk County Council is able to help fund it.

'The community shop is much needed in North Tuddenham and it will also contribute to our aims of helping to reduce isolation in communities and enabling people to remain independent for as long as possible.'

Dereham Times: A new shop has officially opened at The Lodge Griddle & Grill in North Tuddenham, near Dereham. Pictured are Vikki Hunt and Sophie Watson. Picture: Matthew Usher PhotographyA new shop has officially opened at The Lodge Griddle & Grill in North Tuddenham, near Dereham. Pictured are Vikki Hunt and Sophie Watson. Picture: Matthew Usher Photography (Image: Archant)