A VILLAGE post office which was threatened with possible closure has been saved, to the relief of the departing postmistress.

The future of Caerwent Post Office was in doubt after postmistress Sarah Woodfield, 48, was forced to resign, having been diagnosed with fibromyalgia last October.

As the post office struggled to find anyone to take the business over, Mrs Woodfield feared the shop would have to close.

But now the community “lifeline” has been taken over by Angelique Gittings, of Caldicot, who heard the shop was under threat.

“It was looking as if we could not find anyone and that we would have to close for a time, so to know its future has been secured is a huge relief,” said Mrs Woodfield, 48.

“The shop is such an important part of the community. I know that Angelique wants to be here for the community and continue all of the activities of the shop which was an important part of it.”

Mrs Woodfield's last day will be Saturday, November 4, before Mrs Gittings takes over on Monday, November 6.

The four-bedroom building along the village’s main road is unique in that it retains the same signage that it displayed when it first built in the 1930s.

Since being taken over by the Woodfields, the small shop has doubled as a convenience store, offering the essentials to villagers.

A Post Office spokesman said: : "We are pleased to confirm that Caerwent Post Office will continue to operate from the current site following the successful appointment of a new operator.  

"The new operator will commence service on 6 November and we wish them every success in their new venture."