COURTEOUS and caring service has earned Cross Hills Post Office the title of Best Post Office in the Community.

Although it is in North Yorkshire, the post office was the West Yorkshire winner of the competition because its postal address is Keighley.

Subpostmistress Sharon Smith and her staff were nominated by their customers, who were full of praise for the service they received and the special role the office played in the local community.

Customer Kenneth Lambert, of Silsden, wrote in to describe the care shown to him by staff during a recent illness.

"My daughter had to collect my pension for me, and every week they inquired how I was," he said.

"Out of all the pensioners they must serve, in my book that was exceptional and very caring."

And over the past two years staff have raised nearly £2,500 for charity through sponsored walks and swims.

Sharon took over the running of the post office from her parents Muriel and Edward Gee. Her mum and dad were looking after the premises while she was on holiday this week when the news of the award broke.

But she had earlier commented: "We are at the heart of the community and we concentrate on maintaining a happy, friendly environment where people want to come rather than have to come."

Don Grey, regional manager for Post Office Counters, said: "This competition gives our customers the opportunity to tell us about the post offices who truly deserve recognition for the service and support they give to their local communities.

"Cross Hills is a shining example of this and a very worthy winner."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.