Anger has erupted at plans to close a village store.

The Co-op is shutting its Steeton Food Fair, blaming the decision on insufficient trade.

But the move has caused dismay among villagers who claim the High Street shop - which will close for good at the end of trading on April 19 - provides a lifeline.

Campaigners say the store is the only one of its kind in the village and that many elderly people in particular rely on it.

Pat Ellis, a member of the local parish council, said she intended raising the issue with Co-op bosses.

She told us: "I use the store because it is in our village, but I have a car and am able bodied so I can drive to other shops. However, there are a lot of elderly people who rely on it.

"When I came out of the store on Monday morning one lady was in tears.

"There's no other shop of its kind in the village - we just have a newsagent and a greengrocer - and a lot of people go in there. Only two weeks' notice was given of the closure, giving little time for people to protest. The hearts are now being ripped out of so many rural communities."

Resident Mrs Jacqueline Simpson, a regular customer at the store, said the closure decision was appalling.

She added: "I cannot believe it is not making money, there is always someone in there. I do not have transport so am reliant on the store, as many are. The closure is going to leave this village with nothing."

Parish council vice-chairman Margaret Moorhouse, who has lived in the village all her life, said the Co-op had served the community well for many years and its loss was a major blow.

"It is the main grocery shop in the village and is extremely handy, especially for pensioners like myself," she said. "It is sad to see it close."

Her sadness was echoed by parish council chairman and local ward councillor David Emmott, who said several villagers had contacted him expressing their concerns.

"It will be a very sad day when it closes, especially for older people who rely on it for their bread and other provisions," he said.

The Co-op said no store closure was implemented without careful consideration of customers and employees.

A company spokesman told us: "The decision to close this store is not a reflection on our staff, who have always given their best. It is a reflection of the fact that in its location within the small village, we have been unable to capture sufficient trade to ensure its long-term future.

"There are currently three members of staff employed within the store - the manager, who is full-time, and two general assistants who work part-time.

"We are currently working with the manager, who wishes to take early retirement, while both general assistants are being re-deployed at the Food Market in Cross Hills."

Following its closure, the property is to sold.