THE woman who set up Doddington’s successful thrift shop and coffee shop to raise money for the parish church has been presented with gifts to mark her retirement.

Phyllis Brown was at the helm of the shop as it grew in popularity; it currently opens one and a half days a month at the church rooms in New Street, between March and November.

Vicki Smith, from St Mary’s Church said: “Phyllis has been a stalwart supporter of the church through her work at the thrift shop in the village.

“Phyllis was the thrift shop. It was her drive and creativity that got the shop up and running, and with her helmsmanship it has continued to go from from strength to strength.”

The shop sells second hand goods of all types, and also provides refreshments in a coffee shop environment, providing a place for villagers to meet

Churchwarden Eileen Clapham presented Phyllis with a bouquet, and thanked her for all her hard work and selflessness.