A Shropshire village has celebrated the return of its own post office service for the first time in almost two years.

Residents of Cleobury North have not had a service since 2007.

The branch post office counter service was closed in November 2007.

Villagers were overjoyed yesterday when a service was reinstated at the village stores following a campaign by residents and politicians.

Eileen Reynolds, clerk to Aston Botterell, Burwarton and Cleobury North Parish Council, said: “After months of uncertainty, the Hosted Outreach service will initially be available every Thursday afternoon from 2.15pm to 5.15pm and will offer the usual range of services including collection of benefits and banking.

“The situation will be closely watched and if the number of customers shows a significant increase, it is possible that opening time could be extended.

“The parish council has been actively working with Post Office Ltd in an effort to re-establish this valuable rural asset,” added Mrs Reynolds.

Villagers, especially pensioners, have been forced to travel 10 miles to either Bridgnorth or Ludlow to collect benefits or use services.

“When so many small post offices are closing, it is particularly gratifying to know that the service has been restored to this small parish,” said Mrs Reynolds.

She said the council was grateful for the support of villagers and politicians – especially Shropshire councillor Robert Tindall and Ludlow MP Philip Dunne – in restoring the service.