A POSTMASTER is celebrating 20 years of serving the community.

Helen Thaker took the reins at Dentons Green Post Office on Greenfield Road on August 9, 2001.

Since, the premises has seen three refits and has remained as a staple of the community.

"The Post Office has been on this spot for 128 years, there was one post master for 32 years and the others I have beaten, who were here for 15 years each," said married mum-of-two Helen.

"There have been two different closure schemes when they were closing Post offices down and we have managed to survive.

"I love my customers, the customers are the best and we have worked with a lot of local businesses who have stuck with us," added Helen, 51.

"We are a family-run business, however it is mainly me. My children grew up behind the counter, they're 24 and 25 now and they used to sit down on the floor and count the money when they came home from school."

Helen helps to keep Post office connected with the community and runs its Facebook page, where posts include the regular 'find Postman Pat' challenge, where people locate the hidden Postman Pat doll in the shop.

There will be balloons in place at the shop to mark the anniversary and messages from customers will be on display inside.

Helen added: "It is a nice little community round here and there are a lot of loyal customers.

"Unfortunately we've naturally lost some along the way.

"Through Covid we have kept open and we've been open every day that we should have been open."