Many post offices form the heart of their communities

Kate Price Raybould even sacrificed her own honeymoon because she could not get anyone to provide cover at the post office in Llanfynydd.

Post Office Limited said survival was down to the villagers.

The company said the use of the post office, which doubles as a shop, had been "very disappointing".

The post office is also the local shop, described by neighbours as the "heart of the village".

Ms Price Raybould was paid by her employers to run it for just three hours a day.

But, for the sake of the community she has been keeping it open it all day every weekday.

Villagers call in for a cup of tea, and meet there to arrange local events and catch up with local gossip.

Missed honeymoon

When she married earlier this year, she even had to forego a honeymoon because no-one could be found to cover for her.

"We had a spectacular wedding," she said. "What would have finished it off was if I could have gone on honeymoon.

"The Post Office couldn't get me any cover - I would have had to provide it, and I couldn't afford it. I haven't had a holiday for two years."

A statement from Post Office Limited said that it and the UK Government recognised the social service provided by branches in more remote, rural parts.

"The viability and sustainability of this branch is clearly in the hands of the residents of Llanfynnydd," the statement said.

"We have worked closely with the sub-postmistress to try to establish a sustainable Post Office branch for the future, however customer usage has been very low.

"This is very disappointing. The branch has, in the past, been open for business the same hours as the shop."

The statement went on to say that, despite the branch closing in its present location, an alternative was being sought.

"We consider this closure to be temporary and we shall be discussing options with the local community and Postwatch to re-establish a branch in the vicinity," it said.

Rhodri Glyn Thomas, AM for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, said villagers elsewhere should take notice of what had happened in Llanmynydd.

"This should send a clear message to communities that if you have a service like this and you value that service, you must use it or lose it," he said.

"But there is a message to the government and there is a message to the Post Office that this is a very important social service and has to be supported."