CASTLE Combe post office, which was forced to close a year ago, will reopen today.

Mac Turner and Hilary Baker closed the village post office and shop in November 2001, blaming the effect of foot and mouth and the terrorist attacks on America for frightening tourists away.

The post office will open today thanks to Mike James, of Wick Post Office near Bristol, who has agreed to open for business each Thursday morning from 9am.

Parish council chairman Adrian Bishop said everyone was delighted to see the post office reopen.

"Since the post office closed last year people have had to go elsewhere and that has not been very good for the village," said Coun Bishop.

Coun Bishop said the since the closure the village had become very quiet. "What we are hoping for now is that people will get together once a week," he said.

"The village has gone dead, people haven't been meeting or seeing each other.

"Thursday mornings will hopefully become a social occasion with time for post office business, a coffee and a chat.

"We are hoping that one morning a week may lead to more. It is certainly something to build on. Time will tell.