DOWNTON Abbey star Hugh Bonneville will officially open Milland's new community shop next weekend.

The actor – who plays Lord Grantham in ITV's Sunday night blockbuster drama and also appeared in hit movie Notting Hill – will open the long-awaited shop's doors to the public on Saturday, December 3.

Community shop chairman Philip Watts said: "We are grateful to Hugh for taking time out from his busy schedule to perform the opening ceremony. He has been a supporter of the project from its early days."

For full story, see this week's Liphook Herald.