A Post Office has opened up at a 13th century castle.

Tonbridge Castle is now the new home of postal services in the town after its branch at WH Smith closed last month.

Residents will now have to travel to the upstairs part of the Tonbridge Castle Gateway after it opened to customers today.

The previous post office has moved from the High Street and will take up residence at the motte-and-bailey castle temporarily.

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council has provided the delivery service with space at the site in Castle Street.

Cllr Vivian Branson, TMBC's cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “I’m so pleased that we’ve been able to step in and provide a temporary home for the services which are essential to so many of our residents rather than see our town centre left without a Post Office.

"However, Tonbridge needs a full service available so we will continue our dialogue with the Post Office and do everything we possibly can to support its search for a permanent and easily accessible base.”

Emily Clive, from the Post Office, added: “We are delighted to have a temporary Post Office in central Tonbridge again as we know how important a Post Office is to a community. We sincerely thank Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council for working with us to find this suitable location, in this fantastic setting, whilst we continue to look for a permanent solution.

"We thank you for your patience whilst we worked to overcome technical issues to open the branch this week.”

It will be open from Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm, as well as on Friday from 9am to 4.30pm.

The Post Office will be open between 9am and 12.30pm on Saturdays.

There is currently one counter in the castle location, offering a wide range of everyday services, until a permanent location is found.

Alternative branches include York Parade and Higham Wood.

This pop-up Post Office cannot offer the full range currently available including passport check and send, Parcelforce Worldwide services, driving licence renewals, vehicle tax, travel money, international driving permits and National Express Services. All of these services are available at Five Ways Post Office in Tunbridge Wells.

Customers can visit www.postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder to find out the nearest branch and opening times for the service that they require.