PEOPLE across Devon are being reminded that they need to be quick if they want to vote in the regional Best Post Office Awards 2009 before the closing date of 27 February.

PEOPLE across Devon are being reminded that they need to be quick if they want to vote in the regional Best Post Office Awards 2009 before the closing date of 27 February.

Local Post Offices across Central and South West England are all in the running for the awards, where customers nominate the branch or outlet that they feel is the Best Post Office in the area - one which offers outstanding customer service, whether it is located in a city shopping centre, village shop or even pub, farm or church.

Mike Dalton of Post Office Ltd said: "Post Office teams work extremely hard to provide a wide range of services, from stamps and mail to foreign currency, car, home and even pet insurance that people can trust and rely on. The Best Post Office Awards give everyone across the UK the opportunity to tell us which outlets offer the very best customer service."

Entrants will be judged on their ability to offer excellent customer service based on the comments and votes received from customers.

Awards for the Best Crown Post Office, Best Town and City Post Office and Best Community Post Office in the Central and South West of England will be announced in April. The regional winners will then go through to the national final on 21 May, where the overall national Best Post Office winner will be announced.

In addition there will also be special recognition awards to branches which demonstrate unique ways of providing services and who make a real contribution to the local community. Examples of commendable customer service by individual staff members will also be acknowledged.

Mike Dalton explained: "Three special additional awards will reward Post Office teams which go above and beyond to serve their customers. Recognising the role that Post Office teams play at the heart of communities in raising millions of pounds for charity every year, and also by helping local people in need of care or assistance."

The Post Office operates the largest retail network in the UK and offers customers a host of great value products and services, ranging from the more traditional stamps and mail products to a number of personal finance services, such as home and travel insurance, which people can rely on.

Customer voting forms are available from Post Office branches and other outlets. Customers can also vote online at www.bestpostoffice.co.uk. Every customer who nominates their office will have their name automatically entered into a prize draw giving them the opportunity to win �500 to donate to a charity of their choice.

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