A post office which has been closed for 18 months is back in business.

Sheila Watkins has agreed to run East Hendred post office, nine years after she last worked behind the counter as assistant to former postmaster Arthur Wright.

The post office has not operated since May last year when the previous postmistress, Jean Murphy, decided to give up the job after five years.

The Oxford Mail drew attention to East Hendred Parish Council's campaign to find someone to take over the Post Office, based in Hendred Stores in the High Street.

Dr John Sharp, parish council chairman, said: "We are very pleased to get the post office back. It is a significant village facility which we want to maintain.

From this week, the post office will be open all day on Mondays and Thursdays, and between 9am and 1pm on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Dr Sharp said: "A part-time post office is better than no post office at all."

Mrs Watkins has lived in the village on and off since 1985. She moved back last year after living in Banbury.

She said: "The parish council was very keen for the village post office to be re-opened. I was asked if I would consider running it.

"Having run it before I look forward to providing a service to the village, and I'm happy to do so."