TWO new post offices – at Ross and Ruardean – were officially opened last week.

The ribbon was cut at Ruardean by Mrs Edith Duberley, who ran the village store for 52 years and was postmistress for 28 years while the honours at Ross were performed by Conservative MP for Hereford and South Herefordshire Jesse Norman.

The new store and post office at Hart Lane, Ruardean is run by Simon Cherry – who is better known as Spike – and his partner Kate Bellingham.

As well as a post office that is open for longer the village shop also doubles as a showcase for the work of local artists.

Spike and Kate were joined for the opening by a large number of villagers, pupils of Ruardean Church of England Primary School, local councillors, and members of the Lydbrook Ukelele Band.

Mr Cherry said: "The aim is to maintain the valuable service to the village while also bringing something new to the village.

"The children of Ruardean School are also contributing to the grand opening and have been busy designing postcards to celebrate the village's history where there were once more than 20 shops."

Mrs Duberley said: "They are a lovely couple. I am delighted that Ruardean has a new Post Office and village shop – I really hope that people will appreciate what Simon and Kate have done for the village and to support it.

"I have really loved being subpostmistress for Ruardean and running the village shop. My family tried to persuade me to retire when I was 70, but I love seeing my customers. I have served three generations of the same family."

The new, modernised Ross Post Office at The Maltings was opened by Mr Norman on Friday.

He said: "I'm pleased to formally open the new Ross-on-Wye Post Office and I would like to congratulate (subpostermaster) John Pugh on the hard work – the new branch looks fantastic."

Many post office services will be available throughout shop opening hours.

Mr Pugh said: "I'm delighted to have the opportunity to open the new branch.

"I'd like to thank the local community for their continued support and use of the branch."