Steve Carell buys local shop

Steve Carell has bought a local shop near his hometown in Massachusetts.

The Office star, who was born in Concord, purchased the Marshfield Hills General Store last November and became the official owner on January 1.

When asked why he chose to buy the 155-year-old building, he said: "I saw an opportunity to help to preserve a little piece of history... This is much more of an emotional investment than a business one."

He added that local shops help to "give people a sense of community", saying: "These spots are growing more and more scarce. I hope to keep this particular one alive and well."

The actor's sister-in-law Tish Vivado will oversee the running of the store, but in an email to the Boston Globe, Carell insisted that he plans on "manning the cash register, and stocking the shelves as time permits".