A VILLAGE is getting a Post Office almost a year after the old one closed.

People in Heighington were inconvenienced by the loss of the post office on West Green, which closed last July.

Bob Wilson, the postmaster, found electronic pensions payments arrangements made the business unviable.

Following calls from villagers, Councillor Gerald Lee took up the challenge to find a way of providing a post office, and now new postmaster Ron Taylor is opening a post office service in the village hall.

Coun Lee said that the new facility would open in a room in the village hall from Thursday, June 17, for 20 hours a week.

"Those hours will be dependent on the business," he said.

"pension day will obviously be a prime time. But we want everyone to support this or we will end up in the same position again."

Coun Lee said: "This is very good news. It is obviously needed, because it provides a vital service for the village. Our nearest one at the moment is Newton Aycliffe, Darlington or Shildon, so it is difficult for some people to get there."

He said that as well as post office services, he believed the new business would also be offering other items for sale, including greetings cards and other post-related goods, but no foodstuffs.