CROWDS flocked to an official opening ceremony in Porlock of a Vale Yard collaboration between Miles Tea and Coffee and the village’s information centre.

The information centre has relocated from the Old School Centre to new premises as part of the arrangement with Miles, which also incorporates a retail outlet for the company alongside a locally-produced craft centre, a ladies’ pre-loved boutique, and hot desk office space.

Vale Yard was decorated in style for the occasion with a balloon arch and colourful bunting made by a number of Porlock Vale residents.

The occasion, on Thursday, April 3, was launched by Porlock Town Crier Grant Dennis, before the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Ian Moncrieff, cut a ribbon and unveiled a plaque to commemorate the day.

There was a party atmosphere as more than 250 people were treated to a free Miles exclusive tea gift, music by Boars Head, refreshments and canapes sponsored by the Top Ship and Exmoor Ales, and cakes by the Porlock Vale Chef, as they learned more about plans for the next phase of the development.

Information centre manager Deborah Stanyon said: “Porlock has truly come together as a community to celebrate.

“Derek Miles and his team have provided the centre and the Porlock community with an opportunity to create an amazing facility for all.

“We are very grateful to an army of volunteers who have supported us to this stage of the project.”

Miles operations director and co-owner John Halls said: “Vale Yard really came alive and we are excited for the next stage of the development working with the team at Porlock Vale CIC and the information centre to create something very special at our premises here in Porlock.

“This will create a legacy in the Derek Miles name for the community of Porlock which lies at the heart of our business.”

Mr Halls said the company had been in its current premises for more than 40 years, with the business being moved to the village by Derek Miles in 1961, when blends of tea were packaged in the front room of his home in The Anchorage.

The celebration laid the foundation for the next stage of the Vale Yard development, which includes plans for a community café and social hub, an interactive Miles museum, and bunk house style accommodation aimed at walkers.

Ms Stanyon said: “It is hoped this project will put the information centre, which is fully self-funded, on a secure financial footing to continue its services to the residential and business community.

“This is an innovative and creative project, when many information centres locally and further afield have closed permanently.”

Ms Stanyon said people could support the initiative by taking part in the Porlock Vale Lottery as a unique way of helping the information centre while having an opportunity to win something every month.

She said anybody, local or not, could sign up for the 2025-26 year by calling 01643 863150 or popping in to the information centre.