A RURAL post office made history this week – and the whole village came out to celebrate.

With 175 years of uninterrupted service to its community, Stoke Climsland Post Office is the oldest in the country.

After a morning of festivities, residents gathered with subpostmistress Sue Watts to await a special delivery – a scroll delivered on horseback by Bude postmaster Luke Francis, who was dressed in period uniform.

'I am delighted to receive this greeting to mark 175 years of service to Stoke Climsland,' said Sue. 'I'd like to thank Luke for making this special delivery and I'd also like to thank the local community for their continued support and use of the branch.'

The presentation followed a celebration service at Stoke Climsland Parish Church, with a history display, children's arts and crafts, and a 'bring and share' buffet lunch. Village schoolchildren had taken part in a competition to create pictures for the 175th birthday and winners Ivy, Kacey and Joe were part of the celebrations and saw their designs in print on a commemorative envelope. Other events to mark the anniversary include a village fair in June.

MP Jenny Willott, the Minister for Postal Affairs, has written to Sue congratulating her on carrying on the tradition of community service.