A BUSY Darlington post office reopened today (Thursday April 4) after undergoing a major transformation.

The West Auckland Road post office, in Cockerton, has been completely refurbished to become a ‘main’ post office as part of a nationwide network transformation.

The modernised branch will offer customers longer opening hours, staying open from 8.30am to 5.30pm six days a week.

There will be more counter positions to combat queuing time and an express till for those who want to pay a bill or post one or two items.

Sub post-master Geoff Huggin said: “Everyone has been very keen on the developments. Things will be much more flexible for our customers, particularly those who work as they will be able to call in before they start.

“We have to keep upgrading to show people we mean business. It gives our customers confidence that we are here to stay.

"It will encourage people to come through the door rather than relying on on-line services all the time. We are trying to impress on people that if you want to keep your post office open then you have to maintain loyalty.”

Sue Richardson, Post Office's regional manager for the North-East and Scotland, said: "We understand how important having a post office is to residents in Cockerton and we are confident that this new modern post office service will meet the needs of the local community and secure services for the future.”