TWO pints of lager, a packet of crisps and a car tax disc please.

That's not quite such an odd request from the punters at The Baker's Arms in Droxford who now have a post office in their village pub.

Builders were still putting the finishing touches to the counter on the first day of opening.

But that didn't stop pensioners and youngsters from walking across a plank of wood to pay bills, get benefits or buy stamps.

After numerous setbacks, landlord and new sub postmaster Martin Juden is delighted he has brought back a much-missed post office to the village which has been without one for 18 months.

"I am absolutely delighted we have got it back. It's been a struggle to get planning permission but I'm now really happy it's all up and running.

"Even though building work was still going on this morning, there was a steady stream of people coming and going."

The new post office is to be found in the section of Mr Juden's pub which has been converted into a Mace convenience store.

The 52-year-old landlord also won planning permission to build two bungalows and two flats on the pub site.

"Everyone seems very happy with the new layout. I've still got the 66-seater pub although the restaurant is a lot smaller and cosier now."

Post Office spokesman Don Veale said: "We are very pleased there is once again a post office in Droxford and it really is something to celebrate."