JUST over 24 hours after a devastating ram raid, a popular village stare says it is back in business and has thanked a local community for its support.

Orsett Stores was attacked by raiders who smashed a vehicle into the front of the store in the early hours of Friday morning, causing a significant amount of damage. Only parts of the store were open yesterday and the Post office closed.

However, store owner Emma French says today (Saturday, 20 March) will bring a return to a full service.

She says: "Firstly I would like to say thank you so much to all those who offered us their time or services in our hour of need. We have been genuinely overwhelmed by the kindness our community has shown us today.

"We would like to announce that after much hard work and the amazing building skills of my husband, the shop and post office WILL be open as usual today !

"Unfortunately at this time we do not have a working lottery machine.

"I do ask people walking direct across the shop front with dogs please take care we have tried our best to sweep up all glass fragments but some still may remain

Thank you again so much for your support and we look forward to seeing you all soon."