Pub regulars were complaining about the lack of Post Office services

Steve Pocock applied to run the business from his cellar after hearing dozens of customers complaining over the five mile journey to the nearest Post Office to collect their pensions.

After being given permission to have the Post Office at his pub, the Cherrytree Inn in Tintern, Monmouthshire, Mr Pocock is now preparing to open his shop.

A Royal Mail spokeswoman said they were "delighted that vital Post Office services are returning to the local area".

"It all started after we renovated the pub," explained Steve Pocock.

"We converted some outbuildings into a kitchen and an extra cellar.

We may even combine our services by offering a special meal deal on pension day Steve Pocock

"In the meantime, the Post Office in Tintern closed and the residents were saying what a shame it was.

"Many of our regulars, especially those that can't drive, were telling us that it was taking a whole day to go to the Post Office five miles away in Chepstow because of having to use the bus.

"So we thought about using our new cellar as a Post Office and we thought 'why not'."

Mr Pocock was thrilled when he was given the go-ahead by Royal Mail and Monmouthshire Council.

"Everybody has been so positive about this and it is going to make such a difference to people living locally," he said.

"We hope to open the Post Office for business well before the end of the year.

"And we may even combine our services by offering a special meal deal on pension day."

The Royal Mail said they expected Mr Pocock's new venture to be a success.

• The Cherrytree Inn joins two other pubs in Wales which have Post Office services - The Falcon Inn near Aberystwyth and the Incline Inn in Ponthenri in Carmarthenshire.