A MAN has received an award in recognition of his ten years managing the Long Preston Post Office.
The Post Office 10 Years’ Long Service award was given to Steven Thompson to mark the milestone.
Significant changes have taken place during his tenure, not least the closing down of a number of stand-alone post offices.
“We are very lucky,” said Mr Thompson, “that we have a vibrant village store which helps us keep in business and supply essential services for our customers,” speaking of the branch at 1 Greenbank which doubles as a shop.
His favourite memories over the years include keeping the village store and post office open during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, as well as helping older people with deliveries while restrictions were in place.
"There was a real community spirit," he said.
Less rosy memories include the post office scandal.
Reminiscing on his first day on the job, which was at a two-week training school in Leeds, Mr Thompson said: “It was classroom-based but gave me an opportunity to meet other people new to the business.
“As I was buying the business from my sister and brother-in-law, the transition was easy."
He added: "I would recommend a career in the post office, but you need a business running alongside like a shop.”
Mr Thompson, along with his wife Julie, are planning a break in Gerona to celebrate his wife’s birthday and the award.
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