STAFF at a local post office are celebrating after being named among the best in the country.

Beetham was named the best rural branch in the banking category at an awards ceremony in London last Friday.

Subpostmaster Joan Wheeler said it was absolutely wonderful: "I didn't think we would ever do it. I was shocked and very surprised but it is a great feeling and nice to be recognised."

Her husband and partner Alec Wheeler was equally overjoyed and paid tribute to the members of the community who have helped them achieve their success.

The banking award is judged on sales data including both value and volume. They also took into account questionnaires filled out by customers, how the retail business had been improved and the Post Office sent out a mystery shopper to see the service on offer.

Mr Wheeler said the success was down to a lot of hard work: "It goes to show that small rural post offices have got a future if you are prepared to work hard at it it doesn't come to you, you have to sell the business.

"I can see the post office becoming the rural bank and it is vitally important that people know these things for the future of the post office and that people are encouraged to use us."

Chief Executive of Post Office Ltd David Mills said it was a real honour to win the award: "The awards are our opportunity to say a big thank you to the people that, day in, day out, give exceptional service to customers and who really do provide the little things that make the big things happen."

The post office beat off competition from 3,000 other branches and received a £1,500 prize in addition to the £750 and coveted plaque they won in the regional heats.