A VILLAGE postmistress has closed her counter after 21 years to make way for a mobile service.

But Norah Davidson's tiny general dealer's store will still be at the hub of village life in Toronto, near Bishop Auckland, for the next three years at least.

Mrs Davidson, 56, is keeping on the shop as she winds down towards retirement with a mobile Post Office van outside four times a week.

She will still be able to help her elderly customers, to whom she has been a friend.

She said: "I have got used to doing everything from selling a stamp to ringing up about a hospital appointment and that will not change. I will still be here to help out.

"People are friends as well as customers, and Toronto is a lovely community."

Neighbours Genna Hansford-Collins and Carol Craig collected more than £170 and dozens of signatures on two retirement cards.

Mrs Davidson, who has also helped run the village community centre and Women's Institute since she moved to Toronto 36 years ago with her husband, Douglas, said: "I did not expect it at all. I was in tears. I cannot thank everybody enough for their kind wishes."

The mobile service visits Toronto on Mondays and Thursdays, from 11.15am to 1.15pm, and Tuesdays and Fridays, from 9am to 11am. It also calls at Escomb, Witton Park, Fir Tree and Cornsay Colliery and will extend to Witton-le-Wear in the future.