A TINY rural post office is flying the flag for the industry - and has switched to seven days a week opening to ensure it can survive after the loss of 6,750 branches since 2000.

Kath and Peter Stockdale, who run the post office in Hunton, between Bedale and Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, have doubled the number of operating hours, and say it making a big difference to the business.

Since they took over the village shop and post office 22 years ago the business has changed dramatically, with less elderly people in the village and a lot more competition.

In the surrounding area, 12 post offices have closed, with some replaced by a mobile van.

For many villages the loss of a post office and shop is a death knell, and the couple are determined to keep Hunton going.

Mr Stockdale, 73, said: “The post office now corresponds with the shop opening hours, although we only have 12 hours a week as a community post office, we open around 25 hours a week,

“Many people can now access their bank through the post office and this is a huge help. It has all changed dramatically, but the only way to survive is to adapt and that is what has to be done."

Tony Jackson, landlord of The Countryman's Inn, in Hunton said the post office is vital to the village.

“I use it every day for shopping and as my bank," he said. "It’s important to help keep my business running, the service is second to none, and people should support it.”

Since the start of the millennium 6,750 post offices have shut down, leaving about 11,600 across the country, although many have moved into new buildings and are operating as part of other businesses.

The Post office said between March 2015 and March 2016 it has lost one post office in the North-East and five in Yorkshire and Humberside.

A spokesperson added that it has more branches than all the banks and building societies put together and is committed to keeping the current network.

“The Post Office has become the largest UK retailer open on a Sunday, with about 4,000 of its branches now open seven days a week. The extra opening hours mean people in communities across the UK can access Post Office services at the most convenient time for them," said the spokesperson.

“Unfortunately from time to time Post Office branches do temporarily close for reasons beyond our control. Whatever the circumstances the Post Office works very hard to ensure that services are restored as quickly as possible."