A VILLAGE postmistress who is giving up her business has blamed online grocery shopping.

Cheryl Clark has been trying to build up trade since she took over a small post office and shop 11 months ago, at Bowes, near Barnard Castle.

But yesterday she said: "Though there are around 150 houses in the village, only about six residents use the shop on a daily basis and others come in occasionally.

"But I see a Tesco wagon going up and down the street regularly, delivering to folk who order their weekly groceries on-line.

"I can't compete with it any more."

Mrs Clark saved the post office from closure when she took it over with the shop last December.

But now she has given three months notice and will end her postal duties on February 4.

She moved to the village from Newton Aycliffe with her husband Maurice, a betting shop manager, as she felt she could increase the sales and make a profit.

Mrs Clark said: I'm putting the business up for sale, but don't suppose anybody will want it.

"I'll move back to Newton Aycliffe and get a job."

Councillor William Salvin, vice-chairman of Teesdale District Council, which includes Bowes, said yesterday: "Tesco delivery vans have become a common sight all over our area.

"Village shops are convenient and in some ways are a hub of local life, but though it is sad they can't hope to compete with a multi-national company like Tesco.com."

If nobody else takes on the post office duties, it is likely that a part time postal service will be set up in the village hall.

That idea was proposed before Mrs Clark arrived