A CHARD couple who launched an online fundraising campaign to help their eco shop dream come true have served their first customers.

Marisa Bento and Colin Blackburn launched a GoFundMe page in August, hoping to collect enough cash to start the new business in Chard.

On Saturday, the pair opened their doors for the first time as a pop-up shop in Holyrood Street.

Chard Eco Deli is based inside T-Birds as temporary trial to see if they can attract residents’ interest, and if the business is a success then Marisa and Colin hope to find a permanent home for their shop.

Following their launch on Saturday, Marisa said: “It went really well. We have had a lot of positive feedback.

“People just liked being able to have somewhere they can shop plastic free.”

The shop is open in 36 Holyrood Street from Tuesday to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm, and on Saturdays from 9am to 2pm.

Marisa added: “It is just for a few months to start with and then we will see if we can make it permanent.

“I approached Tamsin who runs T-Birds and she was really supportive. She loved the idea and she was amazing in sorting an area for us.

“It is going really well and we have had lots of positive responses from people trying our products.

“We have non-plastic containers that people can buy.

“We have produce bags that are made in Chard.”