A village post office that was smashed into by ram raiders during a costly attempted theft is finally set to reopen.

Criminals used a 4x4 to plough through the wall of the shop, based inside the Bredgar Farm Shop in The Street, in February.

A strap was then tied around the safe, which the culprits attempted to steal.

But when the safe wouldn’t budge, the crooks left the scene empty-handed.

Now, the post office, which was destroyed, will throw open its doors again on Saturday, May 23, after months of repair work.

Postmaster Teresa Hudson said: “We’ve had to wait for builders to be ready – all sort of things.

“We needed a new counter, everything new because it was all trashed.

“We can’t wait to reopen. There’s some old people in the village that have not been able to get their pension, so we are looking forward to a very busy morning.”

Following the break-in, a 24-year-old man from Maidstone was arrested on charges of burglary and theft of a motor vehicle.

The car thought to have been used in the raid was later found set on fire in Ringlestone Road, Harrietsham.

The suspect was originally bailed pending further inquiries until March 5.

But bail has been extended twice, and he will now appear before magistrates on May 11.

To thank its customers for their patience over the past few months, the post office will host a special fun day this summer.

Everyone is invited to attend the party on Saturday June 27, which will include raffles, food, drinks and stalls.