It was party time at Siop Pen-y-groes, the community shop at Llithfaen, as staff celebrated the shop’s 10th anniversary.

To mark this special milestone, villagers and those from the surrounding areas called in at the shop to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, a piece of the anniversary cake and enjoy a chat and catch up with friends.

The community shop employs one person and has a group of approximately 12 people who regularly volunteer their services to make sure the doors are open to villagers and any passing trade.

The shop also employs two young people during the summer holidays who gain experience in the retail world while developing their communications skills.

During the celebrations a special presentation was made to the husband and wife team of Kelvin and Sianelen Palming.

Every morning, Kelvin opens the doors to the shop and sorts the morning deliveries of papers, bread, milk etc and stays there until the member of staff takes over for the morning shift.

Both Sianelen and Kelvin can be found volunteering for many shifts during the week and help keep on top of such things as stock control.

They were presented with vouchers and presents bought using the proceeds of a collection taken in appreciation of all they do for the community.

Sianelen said: “We were very surprised and grateful for the gifts and vouchers presented to us by the people of Llithfaen.

“It’s not just the two of us at the shop.

“There are many other people who give their time each and every week, and Kelvin and I wish to thank everybody who volunteers and of course a very big thank you to our loyal customers – with no customers there would be no shop!”

See this week’s north editions, in shops and online on Thursday