WI MEMBERS across the county are preparing to turn their backs on giant supermarkets in order to save their village shops.

The move was initiated by their Cornish counterparts and now Worcestershire women say they will support any national proposals by the Women's Institute to roll out the resolution across the country.

Jane Brain, of Holt WI, said her village shop was a lifeline to a lot of people and should be supported as much as possible.

"So many people can't travel for miles to shop.

"Our store is excellent and not too expensive. Many of us also get our meat and vegetables from the local farm shops most weeks so we already support this kind of thing.

"My 92-year-old aunt lives in Truro and I bet she's thrilled at the news of this campaign because she would be lost without her local shop."

President of Crowle WI Irene Gray said her village had first-hand experience of the issue.

"I know the shop here closed some years ago now when Tesco came along.

"It just couldn't compete any longer and it is such a shame. A shop is so important to a rural community like ours."

Chair of Worcestershire Federation of Women's Institutes Chris Marriot said that members were always looking at different ways to protect their local communities.

"Supermarkets do suck the life out of places when they appear on the edges of towns and cities. I more often shop at independent stores near my home and the WI even give members a nice linen bag to carry it in!

"But I think if we vote to do something, all members have to take it up. I would definitely get involved but the convenience and costs at a supermarket can very tempting."

Lerryn WI, Cornwall, first mooted the idea officially and an overwhelming vote to abandon supermarkets followed at the Cornwall Federation of Women's Institutes.

The group is now trying to fast-track a resolution for Britain's WIs to vote on at its annual meeting in June.