BERE Ferrers Parish Council marked the first day of the new postmistress at Bere Alston Post Office and thanked the former postmistresses for their dedication over the years.

Chair of the parish council Hilary Boot-Hanford presented a bouquet to Charlotte Hammond in celebration of her first day, and bouquets to Yvonne Hicks and Marion Gray.

Due to the dedicated work Mrs Hicks and Mrs Gray have put in, the Post Office, which was under threat of closure, has been saved for the village.

Mrs Boot-Hanford said: 'The residents on the Bere Peninsula have a great deal to thank these three ladies for. If it weren't for Marion and Yvonne's hard work over the last few months, we could easily have lost our Post Office which is such an essential service to our area.

'We're all so pleased that Mrs Hammond has taken over the reins and we all wish her much success. I hope that our parishioners continue to support the Bere Alston Post Office.'

The Post Office will continue to open from 9am to 5.30pm every weekday and from 9am to 12.30pm on Saturdays.

Mrs Hammond's husband and business partner Jonathan said: 'As we become more established in our new role, we will be introducing an extended range of goods, including locally baked bread. We intend these goods and services to complement those already to be found on the peninsula.'