GILBERT White’s House has started selling basic goods after Selborne Stores closed its doors.

Store owner Kelly Sunderland told the Herald the business had struggled to make ends meet.

However, while she is hoping to sell the property and “have a rest”, she thinks the village could sustain a “community-run” shop.

In the meantime, Gilbert White staff have stepped in to help.

“We have had an amazing reaction, and it’s wonderful to see so many neighbours each morning,” museum director Judith Bowles said.

The café is open 8.45am to 4pm, Tuesday to Sunday with newspaper collection between 8.45am and 11am on Mondays.