A RURAL post office will close next month because there is no-one to run it.

The Fir Tree Post Office, in Witton Road, Crook, will shut on Tuesday, September 20, following the resignation of the sub-postmaster.

Post Office Ltd is looking for someone to run the service in new premises.

Rural transfer advisor Ray Jefferson said: "We apologise to customers for the inconvenience this temporary closure will cause, but I can assure them that we will be doing all we can to restore service as soon as possible."

Once the branch closes, people will be advised to use Howden-le-Wear Post Office, in High Street, Crook Post Office, in New Road, or Tow Law Post Office, in High Street, until a new sub-postmaster is found.

Anyone interested in the vacancy and who can provide suitable alternative premises, is asked to contact the Post Office agency recruitment section on 0845 601 6260.