CENTRAL DEVON MP Mel Stride, who raised more than 14,000 signatures to save local Post Offices from closure under the previous government, this week reiterated his support for the vital services they provide.

Speaking after a visit to the outreach Post Office in Belstone, Mr Stride said: 'Village Post Offices are the hub of village life and provide an invaluable service to residents.

'It is great to see outreach services such as the one in Belstone continuing to provide for local people and it is important that we do all we can to support them.'

The outreach service forms part of the Tuesday and Thursday Cafés, held weekly in Belstone Village Hall at which local produce is on sale.

Mr Stride spoke with stallholders and residents, as well as Rosemary Davies, who runs the post office at North Tawton and is responsible for the Belstone outreach service.