THE praise keeps on coming for a shopkeeper hailed as a village hero for his ongoing efforts during the coronavirus crisis.

Vinoth Kumar runs the Family Shopper convenience store in Hurstbourne Tarrant.

In recent months, residents have paid tribute to him for keeping the store open through and serving the community throughout the lockdown period, while the parish council has described the shop as a “lifeline” for villagers.

And now 10-year-old Hurstbourne Tarrant primary school pupil Arlo has joined the list of those showing their appreciation for the shopkeeper.

A letter published in the parish magazine read: ““Dear Vinoth, thank you so much for keeping your store open and putting the people of this parish first, it means a lot.

“You have everything we need when we need it so thank you again. It’s hard to live at the moment with Covid-19 but you make everything easier.

“Finally, I would also like you to know that everyone loves you. You’re a star. Kind regards, Arlo”.

School headteacher, Gareth Dee says he is immensely proud of Arlo’s thoughtfulness.

Pupils had been reflecting on community heroes amid the pandemic, such as £30million fundraiser Sir Tom Moore, and Arlo decided to look a little closer to home to find his hero.

Vinoth has been a busy man during the last few months, running the shop and travelling far and wide to source goods for customers – one person said they’d never had to leave the village the shop was so well-stocked – as well as carrying out deliveries at the end of his long days and acting and helping the community support group to operate.

Parish council chairman, Ian Kitson, thanked Vinoth for his ongoing service to the villages.

He said: “Although the support group is continuing to collect prescriptions for those still isolating, it’s important to know that we can also put our confidence in such a reliable resource as the Family Shopper, now and into the future, and Vinoth deserves all the praise and support we can give to such a valued member of our community.”

Others took to social media to praise the village shopkeeper and share messages of thanks.

Bex Riley wrote: “Well said Arlo! Vinoth has looked after us all so well - legend.”

While Tracey Salt added: “It’s true, you have all been amazing and always a friendly smile when we come in to your shop. So very much appreciated, thank you.”