Local MP Tessa Munt ‘cut the ribbon’ at the opening ceremony on Saturday to celebrate the launch of the new-look Gurney Slade Post Office.

Sub postmistress Karen Weller organised a community day to celebrate the official re-opening of the Post Office and shop.

People were invited to Gurney Slade Post Office to enjoy wine and cheese, coffee and cake and to take part in fundraising for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

The revamp came about as part of Post Office plans to modernise the network and extend hours for customers. Customers now benefit from opening hours being extended by an extra 21 hours and 30 minutes a week.

Tessa Munt MP said:

Local MP Tessa Munt joined villagers and Parish Councillors at the weekend for the unveiling of a new life-saving defibrillator.

The equipment, used to guide bystanders through the steps which can save the life of a cardiac arrest patients, is sited on the wall outside the Memorial Hall in Binegar Lane.

Welcoming everyone, Gus Halfhide, said:

“We were faced with the task of raising £3,000, but thanks to the generosity of many people, we are now in possession of this new piece of life-saving equipment.”