Cross Hills postmistress has gone for gold after winning a top post office award.

Sharon Latta, who has worked at Cross Hills Post Office for nearly 23 years, scooped the gold sales award for the north in the Best Post Office Awards 2005.

Mrs Latta was left "stunned" after flowers and chocolates were delivered to her Prospect Street office along with a letter of congratulations from Royal Mail.

The mum-of-two said: "I was just stunned, I didn't have a clue.

"I just thought it was really good news. The whole team has worked really hard this year, it's just fantastic we have got this recognition."

Mrs Latta's award of a plaque and vouchers worth £750 were thanks to nominations from customers and new services and initiatives she has introduced over the last year.

These include a bureau de change, where 10 different types of currency can be exchanged.

Her window displays were also commended by the judges.

Mrs Latta is no stranger to the awards, as the post office won best post office in the community in 1998 and best in the Bradford district in 1999.

Now, she and her new husband Jack, whom she married in February this year, will attend a ceremony in London later this month to find out whether they have scooped the national prize.