AN Andover post office counter manager has been awarded for his exemplary customer service efforts.

Andrew Thorne, aged 27, was given a special recognition award for ensuring the Hexagon Post Office Stores in Salisbury Road transferred pension books to card accounts with more than 95 per cent accuracy.

Because he personally filled out forms on behalf of a number of pensioners, Andrew was given £225 worth of gift vouchers by the Post Office.

"We are delighted to have won out of all the post offices in the area - it's so nice to be recognised," said Andrew.

Pension books are eventually being phased out by the Government and will be replaced with post office accounts.

Andrew said: "It's easier to avoid returned forms by spending more time on them and helping people out.

"We try and get everything right here and have a very low error rate."