A VILLAGE near Taunton is in shock following the sudden death of its popular postmaster.

Local sources say police were called after Neil Dunsford failed to open for business in Bishops Lydeard yesterday morning (Monday).

Officers forced their way into the premises on Taunton Road when there was no response.

They discovered the body of Mr Dunsford, who was believed to be 56, in his flat above the business.

He is believed to have run the post office for around 15 years.

Mr Dunsford, who was single, leaves a brother, who is said to live in the Southampton area.

A notice on social media says the post office will be closed until further notice.

One villager said Mr Dunsford had suffered ill health for some time.

A friend, Gerald White, of Gore Square Garage, said: "It's been a shock to the whole village.

"Neil was fine. He was a nice bloke, very pleasant and always spoke.

"There wasn't a harsh bone in him.

"He used to enjoy playing snooker with a group of us at the village hall.

"Then he'd come up to the Lethbridge Arms and join in our card school, although he hadn't been recently.

"He was quite a private, lonely person and lived on his own."

Local councillor Mike Rigby said: "I use the post office almost every day and I've known Neil for a long time.

"He was quite a character and was very well liked.

"His death is a real shock."

Mr Dunsford's late mother used to also work in the post office shop for a number of years.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said: "Residents called police at 9.50am on Monday 2 November to report their concerns for the welfare of a man at a property in Taunton Road, Bishops Lydeard.

"Officers attended, forced entry to the property and sadly found the man had died.

"The death has been referred to the coroner and the next of kin have been informed."