A RURAL post office threatened with closure has had a reprieve.

Villagers at Grange Villa, near Chester-le-Street, were resigned to losing the service on December 13 when the local sub-postmaster, John Wilde, retires.

With the nearest branches in St Paul's Terrace, West Pelton, and Front Street, Newfield, residents feared a long journey to neighbouring towns and villages.

Council officials had been in talks with the Post Office to ensure the isolated former mining community doesn't lose its post office.

And this week a spokesman from Post Office Counters, now known as Consignia, said: "Grange Villa post office is not going to close. We have had two applications to take over the role, one of which comes from an experienced sub-post mistress.

"Therefore we are very confident of filling the permanent position. The worst case scenario could be if neither of the applicants are suitable, but I don't think that will happen.

"We will always work with the Chester-le-Street District Council to maintain some sort of service for Grange Villa."

When John Wilde leaves on December 13, a temporary sub-postmaster will keep the branch open, but for a reduced number of hours. It will then be open to customers just 24 hours a week.