LOYAL customers at West Meon Post Office have helped it scoop the prestigious title of South-East Rural Post Office of the year.

Regular users gave it a glowing report on forms they filled in that were used to guide judges in choosing a winner.

Sub-postmistress Penny Symonds beat about 700 other contenders from the south-east region, which encompasses Norfolk and Milton Keynes.

It's a family business as Mrs Symonds' husband David runs the shop while she takes care of the post office in High Street.

Unfortunately the couple will miss the final because they will be on holiday.

"It's the first we have taken in six years of being here." she added.