A SHOPKEEPER has been accused of stealing almost £20,000 from his post office - just weeks after winning a top award.

Haivor Hughes, who runs the sub-post office at Pilley Stores in the New Forest, is alleged to have taken £19,647 between June and November last year.

Earlier this year Hughes was presented with the Hampshire Shop of the Year Award.

He secured the future of Pilley Stores after taking on the lease in 2007 with his sister, Hadie Bradley, landlady of the nearby Fleur de Lys pub.

Hughes and business partner John Frederiksen transformed the outlet, spending £30,000 on redesigning and restocking the building.

Hughes, 45, of Walkford Lane in New Milton, did not enter a plea when he appeared at New Forest Magistrates' Court to answer the theft charge.

He was granted bail until July 2, when he will appear at Southampton Magistrates Court. The case will then be sent to Southampton Crown Court.

The Royal Mail is reported to have terminated his contract and brought in a temporary sub-postmaster to run the Pilley branch.