VILLAGERS who have been without a post office for over a year are celebrating with the news that normal service is to be resumed next week.

The residents of Butterknowle have had to travel to Cockfield to collect pensions and allowances since a sub-post office run by Mrs Judith Alderson closed in September 1999.

Last March hopes were raised that an office would be located at the Stags Head public house, following an application by businessman Mr Hugh Becker, of Teesdale Traditional Taverns.

But at a public meeting called by Lynesack and Softley Parish Council, residents expressed their concerns to representatives of the Post Office, saying that while a restored service would be welcome, its location was not ideal as it was at the bottom of a steep bank at The Slack, about of a mile from the village.

At the time, Mr Becker said he thought his plan was the way rural pubs were going to have to go. His comments were obviously taken on board by landlord, Mr Trevor Dunn, whose daughter, Marie, will run a sub-post office located at the side of his premises at the Diamond Inn, which is centrally located in the village.

Mr Dunn told the D&S Times he had decided to apply to the PostOffice to run a service because of the level of feeling in the village.

"We have nothing here, and those without cars have difficulty in travelling to Cockfield," he said.

"We will offer a full post office counter service and look forward to welcoming everyone."

Miss Dunn will open on Thursday, and regular opening hours will be Monday-Wednesday-Thursday, 9am-1pm and 2pm-5.30; Tuesday, 9am-1pm; Saturday, 9am-12.30pm. The office will close on Fridays.

Mr Becker said he was delighted the community had a post office again. "That is all anyone ever really wanted," he said. His premises at the Stags Head re-open today with new landlady, Joann Watson, from Berwick.

A Post Office spokesman said it was delighted an office was opening at the Diamond Inn and was confident customers would share the delight in having the post office restored to the area.

"We wish Mr Dunn all the very best with this new venture," he added