England's first fully electric mobile Post Office has been trialled in Finchingfield.

Serving 17 rural communities across three counties, the new vehicle is more environmentally friendly and cheaper to run.

The Post Office, based in the village of Finchingfield, replaced its diesel mobile post office with the electric vehicle.

Run by Alex Robinson and Jane Welsh, it provides a service to many isolated areas, including locations in Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, and north-west Essex.

Postmistress Alex Robinson said: "Now we have tested the vehicle our initial range anxiety has subsided, and our confidence has grown.

"We have plenty of range for all the places we visit, even in the middle of winter or if there is unexpected traffic."

The electric vehicle can cover more than 100 miles under normal conditions, serving all communities on their route.

Ms Robinson added: "Our anxiety comes not from the range of the vehicle but from our desire to keep it looking smart.

"Customers are impressed that it is an all-electric vehicle and that it is a brand-new vehicle that looks really good.

"They like the eco credentials that it is better for the environment and cheaper to run."

The vehicle has solar panels installed so when the vehicle is parked overnight, the cost of charging it is minimised.

Additional panels on the vehicle's roof power the computer system, interior lighting, and heating or air conditioning.

The new vehicle has an extendable pin pad, allowing customers to be served at ground level or inside.

Its new layout aims to provide more storage space, to meet the demands of the home shopping market and people selling goods online.

Councillor Neil Reeve, portfolio holder for environment and climate change at Uttlesford District Council, said: "Our corporate plan aims to encourage the use of electric vehicles wherever possible and we very much welcome the introduction of an electric mobile Post Office.

"To be the first area in England to be served in this way is very pleasing and will I hope serve as visible encouragement for the use of electrically powered vehicles by trades and other service providers."