PURITON Post Office re-opened on Monday following a full refurbishment.

New operators have taken over the store and Post Office with the agreement of the previous postmaster Sandra Tizzard.

The Post Office has been taken over by Keir Ritchie and his partner Heidi Haynes, both of whom had successful careers in London but decided they wanted to move to enjoy a quieter pace of life.

The branch was closed for a big three week refit.

The new opening hours are Monday to Friday: 8am to1pm and 2 to 8pm; Saturday 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm; and Sunday 10am to 1pm.

This is an extra 27 hours and 30 minutes of Post Office service a week including Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, Sunday morning, earlier opening and significantly later closing, making it more convenient for Post Office customers to visit.

Andy Healey, Post Office area network change manager said: “We are making it easier for customers to get their cash, send and collect their mail and do their banking because we know how important these services are to local residents.

"We are confident that this vibrant new-style Post Office at the heart of the local community will meet customer needs.”