The couple who run Sidford Post Office have thanked customers for their loyal support as its relocation marks the end of an era.

The School Street premises will close for the last time at 5.30pm on Tuesday, September 29, as services move to the nearby Spar shop in Church Street.

The move is part of the national post office modernisation programme and will help secure the future of the facility for Sidford’s community.

Its relocation marks the end of more than 40 years of a dedicated post office building in School Street.

Suzanne and Andrew Whitby took on the business just over four years ago because they wanted to work together and do something as a part of the community.

Suzanne said: “We wanted to say that we are really grateful to all the customers who have supported us.

“We are happy it is going into the Spar and wish them all the best and we are glad the post office is staying in the village.

“We have really enjoyed how much it has enabled us to get close to people in the local community.

“I know there’s been a post office in the village for years. We are sad because we will miss the people, but the move is securing the post office for the future.

“The Spar is a good location as it’s in the heart of the village.

Hazel Bennett, another School Street business owner, said: “It has been there a long time.

“I lived in Sidford about 40 years ago and it was there then.

“It’s a shame, but at least it’s going to still be in the village.”

Resident Colin Kingman said: “It is going to be a sadly missed place of meeting.”

As part of the changes, the post box that was located in School Street will now be moved to near the Spar and services will open at a dedicated counter inside the shop on Wednesday, September 30, at 1pm.

Customers will be able to take advantage of extended opening hours at the post office’s new location.