A VILLAGE Post Office has closed after the long-serving Postmaster passed away.

Peggy Gange-Harris, who had run Othery Post Office for more than 41 years, passed away on February 7.

Her family bravely opened the Post Office the following day as a mark of respect for much-loved Peggy, but are unable to operate the shop full-time, so it has temporarily closed.

A Post Office spokesperson said: “We are saddened by the news that the Postmaster for Othery has died and the branch is temporarily closed.

"Mrs Peggy Gange-Harris has been one of our loyal and long-serving postmasters.

"Peggy is well-known and respected in Othery for running the Post Office for more than 41 years. Peggy was still the Postmaster when she died. We thank Mrs Peggy Gange-Harris for her commitment to her community.

“Peggy’s family opened the branch today as a mark of respect to their beloved mother who had run the Post Office since July 17, 1977. Unfortunately her family are unable to continue to operate the branch.

“We understand how important a Post Office is to a community and we would like to reassure customers that we will work hard to restore a Post Office in Othery. The nearest alternative branches are Middlezoy and Langport.”

The full addresses of the alternative branches are:

• Middlezoy Post Office, Methodist Church, Middlezoy, Bridgwater, TA7 0NZ (open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 8.45am – noon; 2pm – 5pm)

• Langport Post Office, Bow Street, Langport, TA10 9PQ (open Monday to Friday: 8am – 5.30pm; Saturday: 8am – 4pm).