A community shop has opened its doors once again after going through a major redevelopment.

Originally a blacksmith’s forge, then a mechanic's garage and a filling station, Forge Stores has been serving Penshurst, near Tonbridge, for decades.

The shop was taken into the care of the Penshurst Estate in 1965, introducing a post office in 1994 when the village's previous one closed, and a small retail area.

Now, following a three-year development project funded by the Penshurst Place Estate, the vital village amenity has been extended and radically overhauled.

It has been transformed from a small convenience aisle shared with the kiosk for the garage into a large shopping space in the heart of the village that is more than three times the original size, having incorporated the redundant mechanic's workshop.

On March 4, Tonbridge and Malling MP Tom Tugendhat officially opened the revamped store.

He said: "Forge Stores is at the heart of the Penshurst community. It was there for us all during Covid and is essential to many of us for the post office, food, petrol and simple convenience of our village.

"I am delighted it’s back and open with the support of Penshurst Place Estate. I will be shopping here again and look forward to seeing it serve our community for years to come."

The launch day saw a display of classic cars in the new parking area and horses with carriages adding to the traditional village fair atmosphere.

A selection of the store’s local food and drink suppliers also attended, offering samples of their wares for people to try, including biscuits, cookies and chocolate creams, as well as soft drinks and beers.

Honey produced from hives on the Penshurst Place Estate was available for tasting, and people could buy handmade soaps made with the same honey.

The village's blacksmith, who had a range of products and tools on display, spoke to visitors about the process of forging.

Meanwhile, a photo exhibition showed the forge and some of its different uses over time, as well as some historical images of the village and Penshurst Place.

The new look Forge Stores will supply not only fruit, vegetables, local meats, freshly-baked bread and other artisan products from Kent and Sussex, but it will also function as the local post office and fuel station, as well as being an important central hub supporting a variety of initiatives run by the local school, charities and the wider community.

Dr The Hon Philip Sidney, heir to Penshurst Place, said: "After three years of hard work from the estate team, I’m delighted that the Forge Stores is now revamped, refurbished and ready to serve the needs of Penshurst and help it continue to thrive.

"In tough times it is more vital than ever to make sure that rural communities can get hold of what they need locally - be it local produce, petrol or postage - and I know that the store will be an asset for villagers and visitors alike for many years to come."