A Post Office has reopened in the heart of a village and its owners hope it will bring the community together.

Bradpole Village Store and Post Office opened its doors earlier this month after the village Post Office was forced to close in 2017 due to the retirement of the postmaster.

Lisa Finlayson and her partner Wayne Fraser have taken it on, having moved to the area in December.

Lisa said: "This is a new venture for us and we're very happy about it. The community has been so welcoming and lovely. We've had fantastic support.

"We know the importance of a community store being right in the heart of the community. You get to know your regulars and you worry about them when they don't come in on their usual time on a certain day - that's important. Post Offices and shops are vital, especially when banks are shutting down and public transport is not great. We hope it will bring the village back to life having its post office again."

Bradpole Village Store is now open 51 hours, seven days-a-week. It offers longer opening hours and a range of locally-sourced fresh produce.

Lisa said: "We've stuck to local suppliers and are offering more in terms of retail. We've got a deli counter, fresh pies, quiche and bread every day, vegetables and wines. We've tried to cater for all - we have vegan wines for example - and have used local suppliers and brewers. We've had great support so far."

The same range of Post Office products and services are available as before and the shop is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8am-5.30pm; Wednesday and Saturday from 8am-1pm and Sunday 8-11am.

Matt Walls, Post Office change manager, said: “I know that this will be welcome news for the local community and I hope that customers will continue to use the branch.”