A PLEA has been made to try to save the post office at Sandhutton from closure.

It may close in a couple of months' time unless someone takes over from postmistress. Alison Ward, who has run the service from her home since 1998.

Coun Richard Reed, chairman of Sandhutton Parish Council, hopes a new person will be found. He said: "It will be a big blow if it she does give it up. As far as the parish council is concerned, we would encourage someone to take it.

"We would like to see someone take it on as we don't want to see a post office or village shop or pub close down."

Mrs Ward will leave the post on August 9, and advertisements have been put up to try and attract a successor, who would need premises to replace the use of her home.

If no-one steps forward before then, the village will lose its post office.

Transport would be needed to reach the nearest post office in the area, at Kirby Wiske, which could pose difficulties for the 30 or so pensioners in the village.

Coun Reed said: "We have some elderly people in the village and they use the post office regularly, and losing it would be a big problem for them."

He added: "As far as the young people are concerned, they don't use it much as they have cars and most people commute."

It is not the first time Sandhutton has had problems with its post office.

In July 1998, Charles Roth closed the joint post office and shop just eight months after taking it on. That was when Mrs Ward took over the duties.

She declined to comment, but a Post Office spokesman said: "Post Office Ltd is committed to keeping a post office service in Sandhutton.

"Following the sub-postmaster's resignation, we will seek applications from anyone interested in running a post office in the area who can provide suitable, alternative premises."

Anyone interested in the vacancy should contact the Post Office on 08456 016260.