THERE?were tears, a blessing and a big crowd as South Harting’s new-style Post Office opened for business.

Around 50 villagers gathered to watch the ribbon being cut at Harting Stores, where Post Office services have relocated.

The honours were carried out by Trish Walker, who was described as Harting’s “exemplary” post mistress for the last 20 years, and by resident Cecil ‘Laurie’ Lawrence (93), who was awarded the Legion d’Honneur earlier this year for the part he played in the liberation of France during the Second World War.

Trish is leaving the Post Office but she said it had been an “amazing experience” to be at the heart of the community.

A new shop and Post Office counter has been installed at Harting Stores, overseen by owner Peter Cragg.

He was emotional as he said: “We have made it. We are now up and running and it’s great.”

The new Post Office Local Plus was blessed by the Rev Ken Jacques, of the village’s Congregational Church.

“It’s not only a place of business and transaction, but a place of care and community and love and friendship,” he said.