A VILLAGE post office that was nearly stamped out has been nominated for a regional award.

Post Office customers have named the Colwall branch as one of the best in the Central and West region.

The nomination is a remarkable feat for the branch, which closed in 2007 after the postmaster resigned at short notice. The office reopened a year later in a former chemist on Walwyn Road, which it shares with Colwall Parish Council (CPC).

Customers nominated Colwall for its range of services and friendly staff in the 2009 People’s Post Office Awards.

The regional awards will be decided in late April, but sub postmaster Nigel Morris is just happy to be nominated.

“When we reopened, we didn’t know how long we were going to be here,” he said. “I think the customers are really pleased to have us back.”

The premises is subsidised by CPC, which increased its precept by £5 per head to keep the office in the village.

Nicky Carless, CPC chairman, said: “Residents love the fact that it’s back and it’s very well used.”

The branch is the only office in Herefordshire to be nominated.