Rooksbridge Post Office was a finalist in the Local Hero category at the Post Office's We're Stronger Together regional awards for the South West region this week.

The awards recognise the efforts made by postmasters across the region to keep branches open during the Covid-19 pandemic and serving their local community.

The great work by postmaster Sandra Lawrence, who runs Rooksbridge Post Office, was highlighted this week by Post Office chief executive Nick Read.

Postmasters who operate branches in South West region had the opportunity to share their experience of running their branch during the pandemic and hear directly about the Post Office's future growth strategy.

Post Office area manager, Phillip Manning, said: "Rooksbridge Post Office has been nominated for our Local Hero award for the branch's continual service of customers and the pride they take in their local community.

"When it would have been easy to close the branch and focus on their own lives, the team have continued to serve customers with a smile in these difficult times."

Mr Read said: "I have heard many inspiring stories of postmasters going the extra mile and I have welcomed the opportunity to hear first-hand how postmasters in the South West have fared during the pandemic, including Rooksbridge.

"All retailers have been affected and Post Office was no exception. The next few weeks and months will be a critical period as we try and return to a sense of normality.

"Post Office branches have a vital role to play in supporting their customers and communities, as well as helping small businesses and independent retailers get back on their feet."

Postmasters heard more about three areas of their business that could help them recover some of the lost trade as a result of the pandemic – mails and parcels, banking (cash withdrawals and deposits), and the return in demand for foreign exchange.

A spokesperson for the Post Office said: "Many people rely on easy access to cash.

"To spend that cash, businesses need to continue to accept it, and be able to conveniently deposit it into their business bank accounts.

"That cash cycle will play a vital part in our economic recovery from Covid-19. Post Office branches are often the last counter in town where businesses can deposit a day's takings. Business deposits are growing between 10 per cent and 20 per cent week on week.

"For small businesses, being able to get goods out to customers is key. The Post Office's Drop and Go parcel service has seen a 70 per cent increase in use month on month.

"Last month, the Post Office reactivated its online foreign exchange service and its branch pre-order operation.

"Customers planning trips abroad can order more than 60 currencies online for next day home delivery or collection from all 11,500 Post Office branches.

"The option to collect in-branch helps increase footfall at our branches and on the UK's High Streets."