Postmaster Keith Potter and his wife, Marie have been there for 24 years and during that time, the couple came to regard many of their customers as friends, and visa versa.

News that the Barnoldswick office was one of those earmarked to go under the Government's closure programme was announced several months ago.

And many people took the opportunity to call in during the last week and wish the pair well in their retirement.

"it's been a wonderful 24 years here," said Keith.

"I have had a great working life where I have had two jobs, both lasting a similar length of time where I mixed with people the whole time."

The pair had been wanting to retire so the closure of the post office is a relief to them in some way as with the axe hanging over it for the past couple of years they have been unable to sell.

On the other hand, both are disappointed that the post office has closed what they consider to be a valuable community assett as well as a boon to the other shops on the Barnoldswick parade.

"We are both glad and sad and it was a very emotional week as people popped in to say goodbye," said Marie.

"Everyone has been so kind, we have had litterally hundreds of cards given as well as flowers and bottles of wine. It was amazing and also overwhelming."

The couple have spent this week helping the Post Office to decommission the office, but will then begin looking for somewhere smaller to live, hopefully int the same area as many of their friends live there.

They are looking forward to more free time, where holidays can be booked at a minute's notice rather than having to be booked months in advance, and lots of walking in the local countryside enjoyed.

"We have some great memories from the past 24 years and had some great times. We have also known some wonderful people and lost some very dear friends among our customers," said Keith.