A GROUP formed especially to save a much loved and needed post office has welcomed the official signage outside the store — and the new post mistress.

The Bere Alston Post Office, serving the fourth largest community in West Devon, has been, until recently, under threat of closure.

But following a well attended public meeting, organised by the parish council, at which West Devon and Torridge MP Geoffrey Cox and Devon County councillor Philip Sanders attended, a group of local residents came forward to try to save the post office — and so the Bere Peninsula Post Office Group was formed.

The BPPOG set about raising pledges to secure the building for the community, which raised pledges of more than £70,000, and a private buyer came forward who secured the freehold enabling the post office to continue from the property.

Jonathan and Charlotte Hammond stepped in to the fray, with Charlotte becoming the new postmistress and Jonathan, a baker, selling his produce from the premises.

BPPOG managed to secure £1,500 in donations from local residents to enable the new signage to be completed.

A ceremony took place to celebrate the new signage and the hand over of Jonathan and Charlotte last Saturday.