A FIRST class postmistress has retired from her role after 43 years of service at the Nayland Post Office.

Patsie Ford has served the village of Nayland since 1981, after moving to the village to run the post office.

She had previously been one of the last £10 Poms to emigrate to Australia, but returned to the UK after her mother became ill and died.

Ms Ford and her husband were looking for a home and a business opportunity, and she decided she wanted to run a post office.

She fell in love with the Nayland post office and shop, but was initially unable to buy it as the retiring postmaster had accepted an offer.

Patsie Ford moved to the Suffolk village to run the post office (Image: Post Office) However, she was later called and told the buyer had pulled out, and she jumped at the chance to buy it.

She said: "I just knew that Nayland was the right village for me as soon as I saw the shop and house which looked Dickensian with lots of wooden beams.

"I have spent the last 40 plus years finding more Victorian items to decorate the shop.

"Customers comment that it is like a museum.

"People who visit for the first time are amazed."

She said she had hoped someone would take over the shop and continue to operate the post office, but two deals fell through.

She said: "I really didn’t want to leave the village without a post office as there is still a need for a post office in the village, especially with banking and sending parcels, but sadly there has been no sale.

"I’m 70 now and it’s time to retire.

"Being a postmistress is a unique role in a community.

"I love people and I have really enjoyed serving customers and helping them.

"Being at the hub of the village gave me a chance to really get to know people."

Shervorne Page, area manager at Post Office, said: "I want to sincerely thank Patsie Ford for her long and loyal service to the people of Nayland.

"It’s impressive that Patsie has been at the helm for 44 years and I wish her a well-earned retirement."