Post offices scoop up top awards

Cnwch Coch's Jean Turberville works from a former toilet block

A small post office run from what used to be a toilet block on a working farm has scooped a prestigious award.

The branch in Cnwch Coch, near Aberystwyth, was named the most innovative branch in the UK at the Best Post Office Awards.

Llangadog post office, near Llandeilo, was recognised for its fund-raising and charity work in the community.

The Royal Mail praised Llangadog sub-postmistress Win Morgan for her "tireless" efforts in the community.

She supports a wide range of activities, including charity fundraising to establish a community group to provide free computer training to local people.

GMTV's Lorraine Kelly presented the awards at a ceremony in London.

Meanwhile, Rosebush post office, near Clynderwen, in Carmarthenshire, run from a cowshed on a farm making cheese, was named runner-up to Cnwch Coch in the most innovative category.

I'm amazed at the lengths that people in post office branches go to Lorraine Kelly

Alan Cook, managing director of Post Office Ltd said the winners were a "tribute to the dedication and hard work of people across the entire Post Office network.

"I'm delighted that our customers have voted in record numbers this year - an indication of just how much they appreciate and value the service they receive."

TV presenter Lorraine Kelly said: "I'm amazed at the lengths that people in post office branches go to, to provide a great service to their customers and their community.

The 2006 Best Post Office Awards received a record 172,600 votes from customers across the UK.