VILLAGERS in Thurstonland have said a sad farewell to their postmaster and postmistress - and the service they have provided.
Gene and Judith Bardon have left Thurstonland Post Office after 16 years. They are pictured with customers.
The post office and shop have been closed and the franchise put up for sale.
Mr and Mrs Bardon decided to give up work behind the counter and move to be nearer their family in Rutland, but villagers did not let them leave without a parting gift.
A collection was held around Thurstonland and the Bardons were presented with a bouquet of flowers, a cut glass claret jug plus £365 worth of travel vouchers.
The gifts were presented at a surprise party at the post office.
The collection was organised by village residents Chris Holmes and Brenda Vale.
Mr Holmes said: "It was a very successful collection because there is a lot of goodwill for them. We are sorry to see them go. It was a nice party with a few glasses of wine, but there were one or two tears shed.
"We'll miss not only them, but our post office, because we can't see it being likely that someone else will be brought in to run it."
The nearest post office for Thurstonland people is now in Kirkburton.
