Villagers have had their post office saved by the parish church

Church leaders will ensure the essential village service survives after the 70-year-old sub- postmaster announced his retirement.

Despite advertising the franchise, no-one came forward to take on the business which serves 4,500 residents in two villages.

Eventually St James' Church at Hemingford Grey, Cambridgeshire, stepped in to safeguard the post office.

Laughed it off

Parish administrator David Usher, 43, said the idea of the church running the post office started off as a bit of a joke.

"When it was first suggested we take it on we just laughed it off but as it became apparent that we were going to lose it we began to take it more seriously," he said.

"We've done a lot of research and it seems we will be the only church in the country to open a full time post office - opening six days a week.

"The margins are tight but we think we can make it work.

"There will be a use it or lose it message to the villagers, but the fact that we have to break even rather than make a profit should help.

"We have an ageing population in the villages so it's very important that this kind of service is available."

New sub postmaster

Mr Usher's existing job as parish administrator involves running the affairs of the 12th Century church, freeing up the vicar, the Reverend Peter Cunliffe, to carry out his pastoral work.

But he is now waiting to be confirmed as the new sub-postmaster.

It's very innovative and something we would offer as an example to other communities as a way forward. Madryn Swanton, spokeswoman for Postwatch

Mr Usher previously ran a small pharmaceutical business and will work part-time in the post office and part-time running the church.

Previous sub-postmaster Lionel Benn, 70, is also offering his help and expertise to the church.

The move has been backed by the postal watchdog Postwatch.

Spokeswoman Madryn Swanton said: "This is a really good example of the community getting together to retain a rural post office.

"It's very innovative and something we would offer as an example to other communities as a way forward."

The post office is due to open in a converted toy cupboard in the village's parish centre by November.

Until then villagers will have to travel into nearby Fenstanton or St Ives.