A 'well-loved' Post Office has closed for the final time after decades in the community.

Moorland Stores and Post Office, in School Road, Kirkby, officially closed at the weekend; however, the shop remains open as usual.

The post office has been run by Elaine Varley for 20 years and has become a 'well-loved' service for the community.

On Saturday, the post office shut for the final time, prompting sadness from the local community.

Matt Brereton, county councillor for High Furness, said the pandemic had placed a 'great deal of strain' on businesses, particularly for post offices and the Royal Mail.

He said: "It is sad to see such a well-loved service go and I am sure the owners of the shop will not have taken the decision lightly.

"Operating a Post Office counter carries a lot of extra responsibility and can be a significant burden on businesses, so if running the service has ceased to make sense financially then it is up to the owner's discretion whether they are able to carry on or not.

"The pandemic has placed a great deal of strain on businesses and placed particular pressure on the Post Office, Royal Mail and other courier and distribution services.

"While no doubt disappointed to lose such a convenient Post Office counter in the heart of the community, I'm sure everyone wishes to thank Elaine for her hard work and service over the years and will continue to frequent her excellent local shop."

In a statement issued by Royal Mail, the postal service said it is currently 'investigating options available' to reinstate a post office in the community.

A spokesman said: "I would like to assure you that we are currently investigating the options available which will enable us to reinstate a Post Office service to the local community.

"In exploring this, it is important that any future service is sustainable for the person operating the service, and for Post Office Limited.

"Future provision will reflect customer numbers and usage and we may take the opportunity to establish an alternative type of service.

"This may be an outreach service where a postmaster from a nearby branch offers the facility with hours of opening set to reflect the likely number of customers who will use the service."

The closure follows the shutting of the Post Office distribution centre in Broughton in March, with plans to move the site over to Millom.