Threatened services at Sherston Post Office have been granted a reprieve, a move welcomed by North Wiltshire MP James Gray.

"I was so pleased to hear that Post Office Ltd have re-assessed the proposed status of Sherston Post Office and have now re-designated it as a 'community' office, thereby protecting its existing services," said Mr Gray this morning.

“Sherston Post Office had recently been designated a 'local' office, which would have involved the removal of DVLA services , certain banking services, some postal services and some foreign exchange services.

"It is therefore excellent news that this Post Office, so vital to the village of Sherston, will remain a traditional Post Office."

Postmaster Paul Mather, who took it over in 2004 with his wife Gail, said: "The Post Office in Sherston is integral to the local community which is five miles away from both Tetbury and Malmesbury and any loss of service would have been a huge blow to the village.

"This was reiterated by Prince Charles during his recent visit and was one of the main drivers for supporting The Old School Project with the Prince’s Countryside Fund.

"It would have been a pity that so soon after his investment and visit, services provided would have been severely cut.

"I am delighted that the importance of Sherston Post Office to the village has now been recognised by the Post Office.

"This will enable us to maintain our wide range of products and high level of service and to serve the community to the best of our ability."