VILLAGERS were delighted yesterday after their tiny post office and shop was saved from closure for the second time in 18 months.

It seemed doomed when the previous owner, Cheryl Clark, announced in November that she was giving up the business, in Bowes, near Barnard Castle, after being unable to make it a success.

But now Alan and Katherine Green, who run a smallholding less than two miles away, at Kilmond Cottage, have bought it and vowed to keep it going as a long-term venture.

For some years, they have held a contract to supply The Northern Echo and other newspapers to the village and surrounding area, and they are switching that service to the shop.

Mrs Clark, who ran the shop and post office for just over a year after saving it from closure, was unable to sell newspapers because a wholesaler already had its contract in force with Mr and Mrs Green.

Mrs Clark blamed the lack of newspapers, plus house deliveries by supermarket vans, for making it hard for her to make a living.

Plans were being made to switch the post office to a part-time service in the village hall.

But Mr Green said yesterday: "The newspapers will help to make the business viable.

"I already sell 48 copies of The Northern Echo every day as well as some national newspapers, and I'm sure the numbers will increase at the shop."

He delivers papers around the area, and will combine that service with deliveries of food and other items.

Mrs Green said: "We can't compete with supermarkets, but we know the needs of local residents and aim to stock fresh vegetables and groceries that will appeal to them."

The couple will continue running their smallholding, on which they have 35 Shetland sheep and seven Highland cows as well as ducks and hens.

One customer in the shop, John Walker, said yesterday: "Everyone is delighted that the business has been saved.

"A village like this needs a post office and shop."