A POSTMASTER signed, sealed and delivered a new deal to create a larger post office -- by moving his old one across the road.

Anthony Farley of the Hoddlesden Post Office and store spotted an empty off licence building across the road from his premises when he started running out of room.

Now Anthony is set to move into the building as part of his expansion plans and says he is looking forward to the move which is a "step to building a better community".

Mr Farley said: "I have been at the post office for just one year but it is about time that we gave the community something better.

"With the new premises there will be more facilities for people to benefit from without them having to go out of the village.

"I employ about ten part time staff between the shop and the post office and they will all keep their jobs but just all work under one roof."

The Post Office backed Anthony with his idea because they believe that the move will have many advantages.

Maureen Moss, retail network manager for the Post Office, said: "We consider this move has a number of advantages for our customers, including modern brighter premises, longer opening hours, and level access for elderly or disabled customers.

"We also believe that the new location offers a more secure long-term future for this branch because it combines counter services with a good retail offer."

The existing post office will close at 1pm on Wednesday, July 18, and will re-open at its new address at 9am on Friday.