Cafe the cream of post offices

Post office customers can also toast their toes in the cafe

A post office in Downham Market is being held up as a shining example of how to keep services in rural areas alive.

The efforts of a legal executive who abandoned his career in the law in Cambridge to become the town's postmaster are being recognised on Thursday.

Andrew Archibald set up his combined cafe and post office in Downham Market Railway Station in the summer.

Whether his customers want a stamp, a hot drink - or even to order coal - his mission is to serve.

"What I have given up is probably quite a nice salary.

"What I've gained in return is my own business.

Expensive to run

"I've gained the support of numerous people. They're genuinely delighted that I'm here - and I'm making money as well."

Mr Archibald said the idea for the combined business all came about when he complained to the train company about refreshment facilities for people waiting to travel.

Because postal services in rural areas are expensive to run, the turnover from the other businesses helps Mr Archibald to keep the post office going.

On Thursday he will be a special guest at a conference organised by the independent watchdog Postwatch.

The organisation monitors and promotes postal services in the country.