Andrea Etwell, of Willingdon Post Office, on Wish Hill, sent the proposal to Post Office in March suggesting that she runs the services on a commission basis only.

She said, "My idea is to have it open in the morning and because I will be doing it on commission I would need to concentrate on the shop as well.

"The day I was closing the post office contacted me and it has started looking into it."

Although the post office was shut down due to a cost-cutting exercise, Andrea has remained determined to keep the shop open and has renamed the site Willingdon Village Stores.

Andrea said her old customers are struggling to get to another branch for post office services but people are making use of the shop, which now has more on offer to meet customers' needs.

She added, "It seems quiet without the post office but the shop is much busier. People are making a concerted effort because it's the only shop in the village."

Andrea is still able to use her scales to tell people how much postage will be and she offers cash back and sells stamps.

Freshly baked bread and cakes are on offer six days a week and Andrea said they have been a great boost to the shop.

If Post Office refuses Andrea's proposal she plans to make alterations in the shop to make more room.

The counter will be made smaller and a cupboard used to assist with post office services will be removed.

The shop is currently open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 1pm and 3pm to 5pm, and on Wednesday and Saturday from 9am to 1pm.