HAMPSHIRE villagers said a fond farewell to the community’s popular sub-postmaster and postmistress.

They gathered at West Wellow Post Office for a presentation to Tony Steer and his wife Karen who have run it for the past decade.

The couple, who moved the Hampshire from Kent ten years ago, decided to call it a day after a decline in trade.

“It’s very sad. We tried to keep it going but unfortunately we can’t do it any longer,” said Karen.

Wellow’s rector the Rev Chris Pettet presented the couple with flowers and a monetary gift.

“They have done so much for the community and we thought it was appropriate to have a collection for them,” he said.

Romsey and Southampton North MP Caroline Nokes, who lives in the village, was at the presentation along with Wellow Parish Council chairman Angela Ratcliffe.

The village post office now operates from Country Consumables store run by Mike Simpson.