A couple retiring from running a village post office after more than 25 years have thanked their customers, and said they are sad to be going.

Postmaster Sinnathamby Rasiah and his wife, Vimala, took over the Eastchurch branch in the High Street in 1987.

They lived in St Albans in Hertfordshire at the time, but were looking for work and moved to the Island when the opportunity arose.

Mr Rasiah’s decision to retire has been prompted by a nationwide shake-up of post office
services.

His shop is moving from number 55 into the Costcutter at number 84 as part of a modernisation programme.

It will close at 5.30pm on Saturday and open at its new home on Monday at 1pm.

Because Mr Rasiah lives in the building he will have to move, so he and his wife have decided to relocate to Barnet in London to be nearer their two children and grandchild.

The 75-year-old says he has loved his time as postmaster, partly due to the fact he used to work in an office and it was a nice change to be his own boss and be a bit more independent.

“I have really enjoyed it,” he said.

He said they were made to feel very welcome when they arrived, and recalled the three postwomen who worked in the office’s old mail room sharing their local knowledge with him.

Although he and Mrs Rasiah, 67, are upset they are leaving, he said it was the right time to do so.

“Everyone was very nice and friendly, and that’s what we have enjoyed,” he added.

“I would like to say thank you to the villagers for everything.”

The change to Eastchurch post office will mean it is open for 80 hours more a week, including from 7am to 10.30pm on Sundays, and it will no longer close at lunchtime.