NATIONAL Lottery tickets went on sale for the first time in the Swaledale village of Reeth at the weekend.

A terminal was installed at the village post office last Monday and came into operation at the weekend.

Postmistress Jenny Curtis can now offer local people and visitors the chance to buy tickets for the weekly Wednesday and Saturday draws.

"Reeth has not had a Lottery outlet and people had to travel miles to Richmond, Leyburn or Barnard Castle to buy a ticket," said Mrs Curtis, who took over the post office with her husband, Martin, 16 months ago.

The move is the latest in an expansion of the business which has included opening a convenience store and offering banking services - particularly welcome since the village lost its only bank last April.

Mrs Curtis, a former teacher from Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, said rural post offices faced difficult times but loyal customers in Reeth and neighbouring villages made the job worthwhile.

"It involves long hours and I can't say it is particularly well-paid, but the people are so nice and friendly and we feel we are doing something for the community," she said.