Residents of St Martin turned out in force last week to bid farewell to Chris Trezise and Jan Othen, who have run the village post office for the past five years.

The pair were taken completely by surprise as representatives from almost all the households in the neighbouring communities of St Martin and Newtown descended on the post office for the send-off.

Hannibal Nicholls, a former parish councillor and elder statesman of the village, presented gifts of a sewing machine and garden tokens from Myrtle Nurseries at Manaccan.

Mr Nicholls said although Chris and Jan had only been at the post office for five years, their friendliness and excellent level of service had gained them a unique place in the community.