ANYONE around Timberscombe village can tell you about Dennis Hammond.

His smiley face and happy-go lucky attitude have served Timberscombe Post Office well for the past 30 years, and now he’s been rewarded for it.

The 82-year-old subpostmaster has spent three decades behind the Post Office counter in Timberscombe and says he’s ‘loved every moment of it’.

Dennis has been awarded a long service award in recognition of his loyalty and dedication.

He said: “I think it’s an absolutely fantastic milestone to reach. “I really enjoy it here all day long.

“The people are great; it can be frantic at some points but I enjoy being here for customers when they need me.”

After spending most of his life in the ‘rat race’, Dennis and his wife, Vivien, moved to Timberscombe.

Dennis added: “I’d been in photography for most of my life and ended up being the manager of a photographic shop.

“In the end, I decided I wanted to live in the country. I used to go on riding holidays here and we decided to move when we saw the Post Office was up for sale.”

Mr Hammond is more than just the local subpostmaster.

Everyone around the village knows him and his smile.

He said: “I’ll do anything for anyone here in the village; even the children come in and call me Dennis.

My post office is the local collection point for everything and a place where everyone comes in to gossip like mad.

“I manage all the village hall bookings, too.

“We’re a very small village but it’s thriving; the local pre-school and school use the hall every week.

“A lot goes on here and it’s permanently booked.”

Post Office Field Change advisor Matt Walls said: “Dennis embodies the kind of attitude and dedication that the Post Office is so proud of.

“We want to congratulate Dennis on his outstanding service to Timberscombe Post Office and the local community over the last 30 years; it’s a remarkable achievement.”