KILPECK Post Office has lost a first-class service of its own when sub postmistress, Pat Manning stepped down after 13 years in the post this week.

The branch, run from Kilpeck village hall, closed on Tuesday and will re-open in January when Joanne Pewsey takes over the post office.

The Post Office's Pauline Jones said Pat had done a wonderful job over the years and hoped customers old and new would welcome Ms Pewsey in the New Year.

"Pat has been very proactive in the village over the last 13 years and her efforts have been greatly appreciated.

"She is leaving the post to go on to another job," she added.

Joanne will run the post office at the same times 9am to 12pm on Tuesdays starting from January 6 2004.