A FAMILY who have been at the helm of the Post Office in Whitley for over 50 years bid an emotional farewell to villagers this week.

A ceremony was held at the village's much-loved shop on Tuesday morning to celebrate the tireless work of Carolyn Larkin, 68, and her daughter Karen Smith, 47, who are handing over the reins of the business to a new owner.

The post office was initially run by Margaret and Tony Smith, the latter of whom died in December last year, after they purchased it 52 years ago.

David Farr, 70, who has helped out at the Post Office with his wife Pauline for 40 years, said: “A good number of villagers came along on Tuesday and it was an emotional moment for lots of people.

“It has played a vital part in people’s lives, enabling pensions to be received and bills to be paid and more within the village.

“Over the last few months we’ve been secretly raising money for Carolyn and Karen to buy them a garden chair and kitchenware to say thanks, which we presented on Tuesday. They were both very grateful.”

The shop provided the first taste of work experience for many local teenagers who worked behind the shop counter and as paper deliverers.

Mrs Larkin is retiring while Mrs Smith will search for a new job. The new owner of the premises is expected to reopen it as a Post Office after a refurbishment period.

“It is of course very sad to see them go but villagers are very pleased it will be reopening to carry on the service and we wish the new owner the best of luck,” added Mr Farr, who lives a short walk from the Post Office.

“This has always been more than just a shop – it’s been somewhere to interact and converse with friends, a place to learn of village events and a place to organise action for people in need.”