A POST office in a Herefordshire village is closing for the final time today as the postmistress retires after 20 years.

The Post Office said its branch in Pencombe, was "closing temporarily" at 1pm on February 10.

But the company said it was looking into alternative options, but in the meantime, customers have been asked to go to other branches in Bromyard or Burley Gate.

Pencombe and Little Cowarne Village Hall, which is where the branch is based, said in a newsletter earlier this month that the postmistress would be missed.

"Our much-loved postmistress Celia Barrett retires on February 10 after nearly 20 years' service to our community," it said.

"Celia will be very sadly missed by the residents of Pencombe and Little Cowarne.

"We would like to say a big thank you to Celia and send our best wishes for a long and happy retirement with [husband] John who also steps down as a parish councillor after 30 years dedicated work on behalf of the village."

Post Office network provision lead Katimay John said: "I would like to assure you that we are working hard to keep any period of closure to a minimum and we are currently investigating the options available which will enable us to reinstate a post office service to the local community.

"In exploring this, it is important that any future service is sustainable for the person operating the service, and for Post Office Limited.

"Looking after a nationwide network of post office services, we have a responsibility to make sure every service makes the best possible use of resources, while ensuring that customers can still access our products and services.

"I can assure you that we will continue to work to find a solution that will provide a post office service to the Pencombe community."