ALTARNUN Village Hall Post Office and Store is the heart of the community.

Stephanie Bass, the postmistress, says: "Little did I know five years' ago that I would be running a village store, only to be fighting to keep it four years later to finally now selling it to another couple in Altarnun, so I can become a full-time mum to my beautiful twins Megan-Freya and Alfie now six months old.

"Not only do we offer fresh daily bread, fruit 'n' veg, milk and groceries from local suppliers, there's also a much needed prescription drop off/pick up service for villagers, plus the shop is a great place for all to catch up on local news and events.

"From May 16, Paul Whybrew and Sonia Parsons will take over the store and the Post Office will become a Partnership Service, still offering a wide range of products and services that our customers fought so hard to keep.

"I shall be leaving on May 15, so would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone so very much for their continued support and Marilyn Emmett for being such a wonderful colleague and friend.

"The kindness and

generosity of many in our village to both me and my family has been

overwhelming. There is an invitation to those who wish to join me in a farewell drink on Thursday May 14 from 2-4pm and I wish Paul and Sonia all the very best in what will be their new venture at Altarnun Post Office and Stores."