A BIDFORD couple have been awarded a Vital Villages grant to help modernise their shop.

Mary and Colin Welch took over Bidford News in March and applied for grant aid.

"We have been given £4,000 and there is still a small amount to come," Mrs Welch said. "It has been a great help to us."

The couple have used the money to install a computerised till system which also assist with stock control and helps with their newspaper deliveries.

"We have got it in place and set up and are now involved in putting the necessary details in," Mrs Welch said.

"It's very useful as we have taken over extra paper rounds since we moved in."