Former customers of a “godsend” Post Office told of their disappointment after it suddenly shut.

Birchington’s Minnis Bay Post Office, inside Best One, welcomed its last visitors yesterday after the postmaster resigned.

A Post Office spokesman has apologised for the “very short notice” shutdown.

The next nearest facility is less than a mile away in the heart of the village but, nevertheless, former customers expressed sadness at the closure.

One commented on social media: “That is very disappointing - it’s been a godsend.”

Another added: “That’s such a shame.

“I found it very useful and they were always so helpful.”

The concession was located in Minnis Road near the seafront, with neighbours noting the ease of not having to go to the alternative inside the Co-Op in the village centre.

One said: “Oh what a shame, it's so convenient there.

“I often pop there because it’s so much easier than queueing in Station Road.”

Another agreed, saying: “Oh no! I was so pleased when it opened.

“The queues are so long in the village.

“My family all used it as the transactions are so much quicker when time is a factor.”

A Post Office spokesman confirmed the service has stopped operating, stating: “The postmaster for Minnis Bay Post Office has very recently resigned and the branch closed yesterday.

“We apologise that the branch has closed at very short notice and for any inconvenience caused.

“An alternative branch is at Birchington, which is 0.6 miles away.”

Best One is understood to be open as usual.