POST office services look set to return to a small village thanks to the support of the postmaster of a neighbouring village.

Sadberge, near Darlington, lost its Post Office in 2008, with residents forced to travel to Middleton St George or Darlington to access services.

Residents can now look forward to an outreach Post Office service, run from the village hall by the postmaster of Middleton St George Post Office, Andy Hill, who hopes to see it up and running by December.

The Post Office has started consultation about opening the service between 10am and noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Councillor Brian Jones, ward member for Sadberge and Whessoe, said he was delighted to see post office services return to the village.

He said: “The village hall is a real community hub, it’s a very popular and busy venue and it’s the ideal location for this outreach service.

“It’s good that the postmaster from a neighbouring village is helping us out by providing services that are much needed. I’ve already had excellent feedback from people.”

Postmaster Mr Hill said he was pleased to take on the Sadberge outreach service.

He said: “When the Sadberge postmaster closed it down years ago no-one took it on and they were left without any service. People have been coming to us in Middleton St George but as the population gets older they’re finding it more difficult to get across.

“We’ll be offering the full service from the village hall.”

Consultation responses can be submitted to Post Office Ltd until November 5. Send responses to Post Office Ltd, c/o National Consultation Team, PO Box 1138, St Albans, AL1 9UN; via email to consultation@postoffice.co.uk or through the customer helpline on 08457-223344.