VILLAGERS have said fare-well to a woman who has run their post office for more than a decade.

Janet Porritt has retired after 13 years behind the counter at the sub-post office in Aycliffe Village.

A steady stream of customers visited the post office and food store, to enjoy a festive farewell drink with Mrs Porritt on her last day.

She started working in the post office on a part-time basis in the early 1980s.

Mrs Porritt said she was touched by the number people who wished her well in her retirement, and thanked customers for their presents and cards."

When Mrs Porritt first starting working at the store it was located in the premises next door.

Her son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Mandy, now live in the house which was vacated when the present post office premises were built.

Mrs Porritt said she was looking forward to spending more time with her husband Eddie.

She said: "I will miss the customers and the chit-chat, but I won't miss the hard work."

The post office and shop will be run by Beverley and Paul Harrison, from Ferryhill.