A TINY West Devon post office is entering a new era, after being run by the same family for more than 70 years.

May Westaway took on Belstone Post Office way back in 1928 ? when she retired her daughter Norah Marshall took on the job and she was followed by her daughter, Elaine Lush.

But following the well-deserved retirement of Elaine and her husband, Peter, a committee has been formed to take the post office forward, in a new location.

From March 6, the post office will be based in the village hall on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9.30am and 12.30pm.

And on Thursdays, in addition to post office services, coffee, tea and refreshments would be available, offering villagers a valuable social facility.

Marion Walpole, committee co-ordinator, said: ?Exbourne post office is running this type of thing and it?s been a tremendous success and has really added to the vibrancy of the community ? it could be really exciting.

?All we have now in Belstone is the pub ? we lost our tea shop and with the post office going we need something to hold the community together.?

Marion said the committee would also like to hear from residents about what other goods the post office could offer.

She said: ?We?re not really into running it as a shop, we haven?t got the population to support it, but if people say they would buy cards, or if they wanted organic vegetables or anything else we could supply them ? provided they are prepared to buy them, we can?t afford to run it otherwise.?

Marion said holding the post office in the village hall would also boost useage of the hall, making it more of a community focal point.

The grand official opening of Belstone Post Office will take place in the village hall on Thursday, March 6 at 10.30am ? all are welcome.

Anyone who would like to help with the running of the new Thursday morning service or who would like to bake buns or cakes to serve should call Marion Walpole on 01837 840498.