POST Office services have returned to a Herefordshire village after a years-long absence.

Between 2005 and 2008, a sub post office served a population of around 380 people at Edwyn Ralph village hall, near Bromyard.

Now, with some 500 people living in the parishes of Edwyn Ralph, Collington and Thornbury, many of whom are elderly, the Post Office is needed more than ever.

On October 26, the chair of Edwyn Ralph's village hall management committee, Tracey Hayes, was delighted to welcome back the Post Office back to Edwyn Ralph as Di Holloway arrived in the village hall car park with her well stocked Post Office outreach van.

Secretary of the management committee, Mel Boyle, reported that first in the queue was Roy Meddings with Ben Boyle and committee member Jane Coyle shortly after.

Locals can now withdraw and pay in money, pay in cheques, post parcels and letters, tax their cars and pay bills at the van.

Di also stocks a range of stationary and greetings cards.

The outreach van will be at Edwyn Ralph village hall every Tuesday from 1.45pm to 2.45pm.