STAFF who lost their jobs when their post office was shut have found new employment in a village which is bucking the national trend by building its own post office.

The new post office, which is being built in Greenstead Green, will be providing part-time employment for three former members of staff from Halstead Post Office, which was closed and relocated earlier in the year.

Farmers Chris and Tania Butler are currently converting a 17th century barn at their farm in Greenstead Green to become a post office, shop and cafe.

Mr Butler said: "The village lost its post office three years ago and has been without one ever since.

"I am hoping this will be a boost for the community, a place where people can come to use the post office and stay for a drink or to do some shopping.

"I think it's hugely important that communities have somewhere where people can meet in order to make the village more social."

The new post office will be employing three former staff members at Halstead Post Office, Daphne Barrow, Angela Kerrison and Lisa Daniels.

Mr Butler said he was delighted to be able to offer the staff work, and said their experience would be invaluable.

He added the barn was currently having a thatched roof put on it and he hoped the business would be up and running by late January.