THE BRAND new Post Office in Cromhall welcomed children from the local school last week as they posted their letters to Father Christmas.

Pupils from St Andrew’s Primary School patiently waited in line before posting their letters into Father Christmas’ special post box.

Sue Baines, the sub-postmistress said: “It’s was lovely to welcome the children with their letters. It’s something that’s becoming a bit of a tradition, but this year was particularly special because we recently moved into our new home after years operating from a portacabin. I even put my Christmas jumper on for the occasion.”

Sue and volunteers who run the village shop where the Post Office is housed, are looking forward to celebrating the shop’s first Christmas in its new purpose-built building. They’re also celebrating a 20 per cent increase in trade since it opened back in June, which they’ve put down to being more visible and able to stock more.

The award-winning community-run shop and post office was built through a partnership between South Gloucestershire Council and Merlin Housing Society alongside a development of three affordable homes earlier this year.