A bursting sense of being at the heart of the community has been hailed as the key to the success of an unusual village post office.

Heaton Post Office is thought to be the only one in the country which doubles as a pharmacy.

And today, as it celebrated ten years since opening in its new form, the Highgate store was hailed as a model for others to follow.

It was formed by post office owner Shakeel Sheikh who bought the struggling business 13 years ago. After turning the post office's fortunes round, he was inundated with requests - including a 2,000-signature petition - to look into the possibility of opening a pharmacy on site.

"When we came here we looked around to see what was on offer in the village and what might be required," said Shakeel.

"We asked a few people and the momentum built up from there. I was in a lucky position because my brother was already a pharmacist so it made sense."

The traditional post office underwent a radical transformation and the new-look store was opened ten years ago.

And, although it has had its difficult times, pharmacy manager Khuram Sheikh said he had no regrets about moving in.

He said: "I think the two sides of the business really complement each other. A lot of elderly people know they can come down here and collect their pension and also call in to the pharmacy at the same time. It works both ways."

He stressed the key to success was being at the heart of the community and providing a service Heaton residents wanted and supported.

And local people proved that when more than 400 of them turned up at the tenth anniversary party - even though no invitations had been sent out. Shakeel Sheikh and Khuram Sheikh are pictured outside their premises.