A MODERNISED village post office has been reopened by an MP.

Pat Glass MP cut the ribbon to reopen the new look Ebchester Post Office after a major refurbishment.

Mrs Glass said: "I welcomed the news that Ebchester Post Office was to be modernised and am delighted to be here today to congratulate Lynda on all her hard work and to formally open the new branch.

"The Post Office is vital to the community around Consett and I'm sure the new improved office, and the longer opening hours, will be warmly welcomed by all of my constituents."

The branch, in Vindomora Road, will be open from 6am to 7pm on Mondays, from 6am to 7.30pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 6am to 8pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and from 8am to 7pm on Sundays.

Sub-postmistress Lynda Telford said, “I was delighted to have the opportunity to open the new branch and very pleased to be officially launching it today for the community. I hope our customers like their new Post Office and I’d like to thanks Pat Glass MP for taking time from her busy schedule to come here today.

“I’d also like to thank the local community for their continued support and use of the branch.”