THE people of Highbridge are celebrating the major transformation of their Post Office, which is now run by a new local family.

The whole premises at 9 Church Street, Highbridge, have been refurbished, with improvements made by new Postmaster Scott Walls, his wife, Courtney Walls and his mother-in-law, Sharon Reid.

As well as a Post Office, the branch is now a convenience store selling cards, groceries and confectionery.

There is also a coffee shop with homemade cakes and a daily special and designated craft area.

Post Office services are provided at two low-screened, open-plan combination counters alongside the other tills, with extra opening hours.

The shop will be open from Monday to Friday from 8am until 6pm and Saturday from 8am until 2pm, meaning there is an extra four hours and 30 minutes a week including earlier opening and later closing.

Owners, Scott and Courtney Watts, have two children, Lacey and Woody who attend Churchfield Primary School.

Three classes at the school decorated bunting to put up around the café, run by Sharon Reid.

Pupils from the school also enjoyed the opening event held on Monday November 23.

Sharon has opened a designated craft area next to the coffee shop and is planning to hold a variety of classes.

Already there is a knitting club on a Monday from 10.30am to 12.30pm and from December 1, there will also be a patchwork and quilting club from 2pm until 4pm.

There are also plans for a sugar paste club and Christmas cake decorating.

In an exciting festive twist, Father Christmas will also be at the café every Saturday before Christmas between 9am and 1pm.

Postmaster, Scott Watts, said: "Customers love the changes that we have made.

"It was run down and there was nothing in the premises other than the Post Office as the previous store had closed down.

"Now it is light, bright and modern with lots of retail and longer opening hours.

"The coffee shop is proving popular and is bringing the community together.

"The bunting decorated by school children looks great.

"My mother-in-law is very keen on craft, so we have a designated craft area, which is bringing lots of people in any they enjoy refreshments at the café at the same time."

Gary Thomas, field change advisor, said: "We are confident this vibrant new-style Post Office at the heart of the local community will meet customer needs.

"This modernisation is part of a major investment programme, the largest in the history of the Post Office and will secure services for the future.

"The investment marks a commitment to our no more branch closure programme."