A POST Office which has been at the heart of its community for years is relocating after as its popular sub-postmistress retires.

Andrea Patchett followed in her parent’s footsteps when she took on the Post Office in Tindale Crescent, near Bishop Auckland, 14 years ago.

Her mother, Audrey Dinning, ran Post Offices in Tudhoe Colliery and Frosterley in the 1970s and 1980s and the 47-year-old grew up among letters and stamps.

Despite initially shunning the career, Mrs Patchett decided to continue the family tradition after having children and soon became a popular member of the Bishop Auckland community.

However, she had always planned to join her husband’s 4x4 business and this year she made the difficult decision to give up the Post Office, located at her family home.

Today (Monday, April 20), she marked her final day as sub-postmistress with a special party, complete with posh frocks, cakes, bubbly and sweets.

Relatives and staff, past and present, attended the party and the mother-of-three was showered with cards, presents, chocolate and wine.

The Post Office reopens at nearby Tindale News at 1pm tomorrow (Tuesday, April 21).

Mrs Patchett said: “It was a difficult decision to make and I feel very sad about it. It is a great life, especially when you have children.

“The best thing about the job is the people, you never know what the day will bring. I have made some great friends over the years and the community really looks out for us.

“I’ve always said the sign shouldn’t just say Post Office; it should say advice centre or counsellor as people tell us all sorts. We usually know all the gossip and find out who’s pregnant before anyone else.”

She said there had been many memorable moments over the years, adding: “We have had a few babies left behind.

“I remember a new dad parking the pram in the corner, coming to the counter and then leaving without the baby. He rushed back 20 minutes later.”

Mrs Patchett, who plans to take a year out to pursue her love of gardening before starting her new career, added: “I would like to thank all the customers for their support over the years. I would also like to wish Tindale News the best of luck for the future.”