A VILLAGE post office has closed after 92 years of public service because nobody can be found to take over the duties.

The closure has left dozens of pensioners and young mothers unable to collect their weekly payments at Eggleston, near Barnard Castle.

The village's only shop, from which the postal service was run, has also closed after being owned by members of the Bainbridge family and their forebears for the past 124 years.

The last postmistress, Jeanette Morris, who took over four years ago from her father, David Bainbridge, said: "It is sad that local residents have lost these two amenities, but they were no longer really worthwhile.

"We could not compete with the large supermarkets on prices. We could not offer deals like 'buy-one-get-one-free' and could not blame people for going elsewhere for that sort of bargain."

The village has a population of about 400.

Post Office officials delivered leaflets in the community advertising for someone to take over the service, but received no response.

Residents now have to travel five miles to other offices in Barnard Castle, Middleton, Mickleton or Romaldkirk.

Councillor Colin Bainbridge, chairman of Eggleston Parish Council, said: "It is a casualty of modern times and is to the detriment of the rural population

Mrs Morris said: "It is a pity that local people are being put to this inconvenience, but some have decided to have their money paid directly into banks."

Her mother, Rhona Bainbridge, was renowned for baking fruit cakes and selling them in the region. But that side of the business was sold to Farrah's, which transferred production to Harrogate.

David Bainbridge was village postmaster for 45 years after taking over from his mother, Elizabeth Redfearn, who took over from her mother.

He said: "When I was a lad 60 years ago there were three shops in the village. Now there is not enough demand for even one, or for a post office. It is a sign of changing times and we just have to accept it."

A Post Office spokesman said: "We are looking at all the options and would like to apologise to the customers affected.