A VILLAGE store and tea room set in a former Victoria School is championing its links with the community at this year's Business Awards.

The Old School Village Store and Tea Room, at Old Rufforth, is looking to be name Best Business and Community Link as well as Small Business of the Year.

The business has transformed a former disused Victorian School into a thriving village store and tea room, working within the local community to form positive links.

The owner Frank Di Lorenzo believes "the focus of the business is on the local community" and their efforts certainly show that with local schools, Mums, and Sunday Chruch attendees using the venue as a meeting place, while the business also supports local charities.

As part of their emphasis on supporting the community the shop encourages new entrants to the primary school by providing a free meal to the parents and children.

Right from the beginning the business has been at the heart of Rufforth, as it was opened by the oldest resident and youngest school pupil.

With fifteen employees the business is helping to "return life to the village, reuniting old neighbours, and introducing new ones", with 255 people using the facilities daily.

Local produce is used, while a mobile police station operates from within the premises to maintain neighbourhood safety.

The business came about after Rufforth and neighboring villages went without a shop for two years. The opportunity to run a family business was welcomed by the Parish Council and Trustees of the Old School.

The store stocks a range of products from newspapers and essential food items to flowers and handmade greetings and post cards.

The business hopes to provide a legacy and sustainable support for the community and the next step for the business is registering with the Tourist Board.

Mr Di Lorenzo said: "As a testament from the villagers and its surrounding communities, this transformed building and new thriving, friendly business, in its central village location, acts as a heart which has pumped life back into Rufforth. It has reunited the community and created a legacy for the future."