THE tearing of perforations and the thumping of pension book stamps are being heard once more in Bradley after the village post office re-opened its doors after a four-year absence.

The post office is housed in the village store and opened again on Monday morning with an unexpected brisk trade.

"Of course it was double pension day because of the Bank Holiday, so we had a lot of people in on the first morning," said shop owner Bill Kirkpatrick, who is running the venture with his wife Pat.

Nearly 12 months ago the Herald reported that the post office could be making a welcome return to Bradley when the Kirkpatricks took over the village store.

After negotiations with post office bosses, a new counter has been built in the store offering a near full range of services.

"I think we saw it as being a service to the village, particularly for pensioners because it's a long way for some of them to go into Skipton," said Bill.

"Many of them have given up their cars because they are too old to drive."

The post office will be open ten-and-a-half hours a week, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9am and 12.30pm.

An official opening has been set for next Thursday (May 6) when Bill hopes to invite local dignitaries, including one of Bradley's oldest residents.

A post office spokesman said: "We're delighted that, with the help of Mr and Mrs Kirkpatrick, we have been able to revive the post office in Bradley."

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