14453/1GAZETTE & HERALD: Quemerford Post Office has been named runner up in the Best Post Office Of The Year competition.

The branch came second in the region, only narrowly losing out to the eventual regional winner.

Mike Dalton, chairman of the judging panel, said: "Quemerford Post Office branch was a very strong entry.

"The sub-postmistress Christine Durston and her husband Colin have done a great job since taking over the branch two years ago.

"Their efforts are clearly appreciated by the customers and the community as a whole."

Around 2,500 post offices took part in the competition.

Mrs Durston thanked all her customers and staff for their help and for voting for the village post office.

She said: "Everybody's worked hard to get the business up and running. This is a good ego boost and shows what we are doing is right."

Mrs Durston said that they had sent off for a pack from Post Office Limited which ran the competition.

They did a little write up and encouraged customers to vote for them which got them into the last 500.

A mystery visit then got them into the last 250, after which the regional retail manager did a write up.

Mrs Durston said: "I think we won because we are conscientious and like to look after our customers.

"That came across in what the customers wrote about us.

"We try to give really good service and look after our customers and this award also reflects on the good work of our staff."

The region spans from the Midlands, to Hampshire, across to the Welsh border and south to Cornwall.