A Post Office in a County Durham village will re-open next month after a five-month absence of the vital service. 

Thornlaw Post Office, which is located on Stanley Terrace in Thornley, will once again offer its services to customers from 1pm on Monday, September 23.

The Post Office provision in the village closed in May this year in what the Post Office are describing as "circumstances beyond our control" - but is now under ownership.

In a short statement, the Post Office said: "Thornlaw Post Office is to re-open under new management in September at the same location as before - 4 Stanley Terrace, Thornley, Durham, DH6 3ES.

"The branch closed on Thursday, May 16 due to circumstances beyond our control. It will now re-open on Monday 23 September at 1pm under new management.

"The opening hours will be Monday to Friday: 8am – 6pm; Saturday: 8am – 1pm.

"This will provide 55 hours of Post Office service a week for the convenience of customers."

Most read:

Get more from The Northern Echo and stay informed with a digital subscription. Click here to find out more.

Despite the Keystore Express store, which is connected to the Post Office provision, getting new owners in June this year, the Post Office has remained closed while the owners of the shop could receive training.

Lynne Archbold, Post Office Network Provision Lead, said: “We are delighted to soon be restoring Post Office services to Thornley as we know how important a Post Office is to a community.

"I know that the local community will join me in welcoming this good news and hope that our customers will continue to use this service.”