A VILLAGE post office is to close next month, although managers insist they will look for replacement premises.

The sub-postmaster of Bearpark Post Office, in Auton Stile, in the village, has resigned and the premises will close at the end of next month.

Post office rural transfer advisor Ray Jefferson said: "We apologise to customers for the inconvenience this temporary closure will undoubtedly cause, but I can assure them that we will be doing all we can to restore service as soon as possible.

"Anyone interested in the vacancy, who must be able to provide suitable alternative premises, can contact our recruitment section on 0845 601 6260."

The nearest alternative branches are Ushaw Moor post office, in Temperance Terrace, Esh post office, in Front Street, Langley Park post office, in Quebec Street, and the city centre post office in Silver Street.