A VILLAGE sub-postmistress has been charged with theft.

Scissett Post Office closed suddenly early in April and it can now be revealed that the woman in charge of it is due to appear in court this month accused of theft.

Kerry Jane Hanson will appear before Huddersfield magistrates two weeks today.

A Royal Mail statement said: "This matter arose following an audit and the sub-postmaster's contract was subsequently terminated.

"This matter has now gone to court, with Kerry Jane Hanson charged with theft."

The Post Office is now looking for volunteers to run a new branch in Scissett.

Applicants should own a business, a shop or even a house into which the post office can move.

The Post Office is looking for volunteers to run the office. They hope someone with other premises in the village will come forward.

A Post Office spokesman said: "We are committed to restoring the service to the people of Scissett as soon as we possibly can.

"But we are still continuing with our inquiries at this moment.

"We apologise to our customers for the inconvenience this temporary closure will cause.

"I can assure them that we will be doing all we can to open a new branch as soon as possible."

Would-be applicants should phone the agency recruitment section on 08456 016260.