The post office is at an extension to the existing pub

Customers will be able to pick up their pensions and then buy a pint at the Incline Inn in Ponthenry, near Llanelli.

Enterprising landlord, Alun Morgan has built an extension on the side of the pub, which now doubles up as a general store and post office.

The new post office replaces one previously run by Andrew Jones from his house in the village.

There can't be many places where you can get a pint and your pension under one roof Alun Morgan

Mr Jones has now teamed up with the licensee to run the new branch.

"I ran the old Ponthenry post office out of my front room," said Mr Jones.

Home reclaimed

"It had been going well for years but it was time to reclaim my home, so I was delighted when Alun Morgan approached me and suggested running the post office out of the pub," he added.

The Incline Arms is about 150 years old and the landlord has taken great care to ensure the post office and shop are in keeping with the character of the pub.

"We started building the new extension last October and I'm thrilled with the way it looks," said Mr Morgan.

"Our customers seem really happy with the new services. After all, there can't be many places where you can get a pint and your pension under one roof."

Post Office rural transfer adviser Denise Sparkes said this was the happy culmination of much hard work.

"I'd particularly like to thank Andrew, who kept the old branch open while the new one was being built so that people in the village did not have to go without a post office," she said.

The post office will be open between 0900 BST and 1300 BST from Monday to Saturday, and between 1400 BST and 1730 BST on every day except Wednesdays and Saturdays.

"Post offices are at the heart of our communities and are a vital resource, particularly in rural areas," Ms Sparkes said.

"We are delighted with the new full-time services that are being offered and I'm sure the venture will be a great success."

The post office will be officially opened by local councillor Marlay Howells at 1400 BST on Monday.