A HEREFORDSHIRE post office has been saved from possible closure after its sub-postmaster was reinstated.

Nigel Corner has been reinstated at Pontrilas Post Office following his dismissal for what Hereford MP Jesse Norman described as "a very small mistake in procedure."

Mr Norman argued his case and spoke of the wider issue of "backdoor closures" in a House of Commons debate.

In his reply Ed Davey, Post Office minister, promised to take up the case and Mr Norman also wrote to the chairman and chief executives of the Post Office and the Royal Mail in support of Mr Corner.

"I am absolutely delighted that Nigel has been reinstated and that Pontrilas Post Office has been saved," said Mr Norman.

"Pontrilas Post Office is a great community resource. If it had gone, the effect on local people would have been disastrous, especially the elderly and most vulnerable.

"Moreover, the Pontrilas sorting office would likely have closed as well, and with that the sorting office in Longtown, which it supplies. So the wellbeing of two post offices and two villages has been at stake. That is why this is such good news."

Mr Corner said the news was a huge load off his mind.

"I would just like to give my thanks to the local community that supported me all the way," he said.