A COMMUNITY celebration was held at the Post Office in Dovercourt, which has opened again after a re-vamp.

The Mayor of Harwich Dave McLeod cut the ribbon outside the shop, which now has a WHSmith Local.

Postmaster Mahesh Mistry has given his Post Office in Main Road a complete transformation, after running it for 20 years.

He will now be working with Kevin Whitehouse, head of WHSmith Local.

Mr Mistry said: “Customers think the Post Office and store look excellent. They love the modern, bright look.”

The post office will now be open for an extra 11 hours a week and it will stay open during lunchtimes.

Mr Mistry said: “The longer opening hours, especially the end to lunchtime closing, are very popular as customers no longer have to plan their visits.

“Mailing parcels and cards this Christmas will be much easier and we now have cards and stationery, magazines and newspapers.”

Mr Mistry’s granddaughter Halle and friends from All Saints Primary school joined in the community celebration along with one of the branch’s oldest customers, 92-year-old Eileen Fenner.

Mayor Cllr McLeod said: “The Post Office and WHSmith store look great and welcoming. The longer hours will really benefit local residents and businesses.

“I want to thank Mr Mistry for his long service and his commitment to Dovercourt. The major investment to the store shows his on-going loyalty the community.”

The Post Office will now be open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5.30pm and Saturdays from 9am to 12.30pm.