A VILLAGE post office which has been run by a family since 1955 has been judged Yorkshire’s best.

Michael and June Hardy, of Carlton Miniott, near Thirsk, received a glass trophy from Yorkshire Independent Grocers Association for its “superb service to customers and excellent range of products”.

Mr Hardy, whose father launched a shop in the village 56 years ago, said: “We always greet people when they come in and if we don’t know them we try to make them feel at home.”

Customer Linda Daniel said the store was a great asset for the community, particularly as Mr Hardy does not charge to deliver groceries to elderly residents.

She said: “People would not be without them. Nothing is too much trouble.”