THE shop made famous in ITV's Heartbeat has been saved from closure after being rescued by a fan of the series for nearly half a million pounds.

Aidensfield Stores in Goathland on the North York Moors, is regarded as Britain's most photographed village store and - unlike Dev’s in Coronation Street – depends on real-life customers.

There were fears it would close its doors for good after owner Phil Hopkinson decided in May to wind down his businesses and put it on the market for £495,000 after 25 years.

Now it has been bought by local trader Andy Fiddler, who feared unless he stepped in it could be flattened for new houses or converted.

Heartbeat fans reacted with relief yesterday, including David Lonsdale, who played David Stockwell in the series, who said he was grateful it was “in safe hands”.

With the deal comes the flat above, which also featured extensively in Heartbeat, and a part share in the vintage Ford Anglia police car parked outside.

Andy, 45, who lives in Goathland and is an avid Heartbeat fan, vowed that the shop will continue as a family business.

Wife Gail, also 45, will also take turns behind the counter, as will sons Liam, 21, and Adam, 19.

The family also aim to build up the business by offering the flat above as a holiday let.

The store changed its name to fit in with TV cop Nick Berry’s fictional beat of Aidensfield and has featured in hundreds of episodes of the 60s drama.

Mr Fiddler, who already runs a number of local businesses, including a hotel in Robin Hood’s Bay, said: “When it was put up for sale it was only the second time it has been on the market in 65 years.

“I did not want someone from down south coming and buying it and turning it into a bistro.

“The other worry was it could quite easily have been flattened for house building and be gone forever. That would have been the worst thing for the shop and the area because there is still an army of fans out there."

The opportunity to buy had come along at just the right time.

He added: “David Lonsdale has already emailed me to say he is delighted the shop is in safe hands.

“He and some of his co actors from heartbeat are touring theatres around the country next year, telling the Heartbeat story, and all the theatres are booked up around the country.

“So although I am a Heartbeat fan it was just as much a business decision.”