HORTON-IN-RIBBLESDALE Post Office has been voted the best in Yorkshire and the North East of England in a nationwide awards scheme.

It has beaten off competition from almost 100 short-listed entries to be voted the best rural branch in the region in the Best Post Office awards.

More than 8,000 customers voted for their favourite rural post office and Horton-in-Ribblesdale was chosen as the regional winner by a panel of judges.

Phil Crossley, of Royal Mail Group, said: "We know that post office branches are valued by their customers and Horton-in-Ribblesdale demonstrates the very best in professionalism and customer service.

"With a very high standard of entries the choice was not easy, but the judges were impressed with the warmth and enthusiasm of customer comments about the branch."

Horton-in-Ribblesdale Post Office has been run by sub-postmistress Carolyn Rushforth for three-and-a-half years. It is an integral part of the village shop, which also incorporates an off-licence, newsagency and general store.

Mrs Rushforth said: "I think there were a few key issues that people picked up on.

"During the foot and mouth crisis we acted as a base for everything. No-one wanted postal deliveries as it would mean someone having to go on their land, so we acted as a depo where goods could be delivered and collected from."

Since taking over the post office she has also extended the opening hours from three mornings a week on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

"I thought it was too long a time for people to wait from a Thursday to a Monday, so I decided to open on Saturday mornings as well," said Mrs Rushworth

Initially she did this on a voluntary basis, but the Post Office recently agreed to the extended hours.

Mrs Rushworth also packs up walking equipment for ramblers and posts it on to their home address.

She explained: "We often get people walking on the Pennine Way who decide after a couple of nights that they want to stop in a B&B rather than spending another night in the tent.

"They bring all their equipment in a carrier bag to me and I pack it and label it up and post it on to their home address."

On one occasion this has meant sending a package to Sweden, while another walker wanted his sent home to France.

"We basically always try to do that little bit extra," said Mrs Rushworth. "It's nice to be recognised and we're all feeling a little bit chuffed at the moment."

She praised her husband, Andrew, for his work behind the scenes, her shop assistants Ann Bennett and June Schicketanz and her daughters Emma, 18 and Leanne, 17, for all their help.

Customer Helen Sergeant said Mrs Rushworth deserved every ounce of the recognition.

"I think it's brilliant she has won this. She's tried really hard to please everyone since coming to the post office. Nothing is ever too much trouble for her."

As well as winning £500 in vouchers and a commemorative plaque, Horton-in-Ribblesdale Post Office now goes forward to the national final to find the best rural branch in the UK. The winner will be announced in October.