THE uncertain future of rural post offices has been illustrated with a third closing its counter since the violent raid in North Yorkshire town of Helmsley last week.

Ten miles from the scene of the incident, Brandsby Post Office served its final customer on Tuesday amid fears of another attack.

Sub-postmaster Lindsey Wright said security would not withstand a raid and so the service had to be closed for the safety of her family.

"It is sad and I do not want to let anyone down, but I have to think of my young children and I am not going to take any risks," said the pregnant mother-of-two.

The decision comes in the wake of an armed robbery in Helmsley, where raiders used a chainsaw to break down the door and left postmaster Geoff Simpson beaten and bruised.

The offenders also attempted to break into the post office in nearby Hovingham the same day, forcing David Sell to quit his job.

At the weekend, Helen Greening similarly decided to close her counter in Nawton for the safety of her family.

Mrs Wright and her husband, Andrew, will continue to run Ebor Stores, but residents wanting postal services will have to travel more than two miles to Stillington.

Mr Wright has criticised the Post Office for their lack of support and advice about security since the raid in Helmsley.

A spokesman for the Post Office said security at Helmsley was being reviewed, but added that at offices which had not been targeted, no security reviews would take place.