FOREST MP, Mark Harper, officially opened the newly-modernised Newent Post Office on Saturday.

Many people from the town joined sub-postmaster Helen Gunning to raise a toast as Mr Harper cut the ribbon.

As part of the Post Office plans to modernise the network and extend opening hours for customers, Newent Post Office was recently refurbished. It will continue to have three serving positions and provide a range of services, but there is now a mixture of two screened counter positions with a serving point at the retail counter – a new concept for delivering products and services alongside retail transactions.

Helen said: "I was delighted to have the opportunity to modernise the branch. I hope our customers like the new branch and I'd like to thank Mr Harper for attending. Selected Post Office products and services are now available from the retail till and the branch is now open on Saturday afternoons which will be a great help to busy customers."

Mark Harper MP added: "I'm delighted to officially open the new look Newent Post Office. Helen is to be congratulated on her work to develop the branch which will make a real difference for the community. I wish her continued success with the business."

Post Office corporate affairs manager, David McConnell, said: "We understand how important having a Post Office is to residents in the area and I am confident that this new modern Post Office will meet the needs of the local community and secure services for the future."

The opening hours are Monday to Saturday 9am-5.30pm.