The first post office to operate from a Kent church has been given the blessing of the Bishop of Dover.

It was officially opened for business at Holy Cross, Goodnestone near Wingham by High Sheriff of Kent Peregrine Massey on Monday.

The special ceremony which included a blessing by the Rt Rev Trevor Willmott and a performance by children from Goodnestone Church of England Primary School.

Villagers have been campaigning to open a post office since the village shop and post office shut last year. Local priest the Rev Nigel Hale worked with the Post Office and residents to get the project off the ground.

Mr Hale said: "Local people were bereft when the post office and village shop closed just before Christmas. The church community immediately identified that Holy Cross church could provide a venue for the post office and we have worked quickly to make this happen.

"By opening up Holy Cross for alternative uses we are placing the church at the centre of the community and providing a benefit to a large number of local people."

Speaking after the ceremony Mr Willmott said: "This is a wonderful example of volunteers and the community, the church and a national service coming together to provide a service for the community. I hope there will be many more examples in the future."

The post office, which is in the west end of the church, will provide the full range of post office services and will open two mornings a week. There are plans for coffee mornings and mini farmers’ market to operate at the same time. Holy Cross Church will continue as a place of worship, with a normal schedule of weekly services.