TIMBERSCOMBE sub-postmaster Dennis Hammond has been given a long-service award in recognition of his dedication to the community over the last three decades.

Dennis, who is 82, has been serving villagers with a smile for the last 30 years and says he has loved every minute of the job.

"I really enjoy it here all day long. The people are great. It can be frantic at some points, but I enjoy being here for the customers when they need me," Dennis said.

He took over the post office in 1983 after moving to the village to escape the "rat race".

"I'd been in photography for most of my life and ended up being the manager of a photographic shop.

"In the end I decided I wanted to live in the country. I used to go on riding holidays here and we decided to move when we saw the post office was up for sale," he said.

And over the years he has become much more than just the local sub-postmaster.

The post office is the village's main collection point for all manner of goods - and Dennis also handles all the bookings for the nearby village hall.

He said: "We're a very small village but it's thriving; the pre-school and school use the hall every week.

"A lot goes on here and the village hall is permanently booked."

As well as quiz nights, bingo sessions and music events, the hall also hosts the annual village show.

Matt Walls, the Post Office's field change advisor, said it was dedicated people like Dennis who made village post offices such an important part of local communities.

"Dennis embodies the kind of attitude and dedication that the Post Office is so proud of.

"We want to congratulate him on his outstanding service to Timberscombe Post Office and the local community over the last 30 years.

"It's a remarkable achievement," Matt said.

For his part, Dennis, said he was just happy to help: "I'll do anything for anybody here in the village.

"Even the children come in and call me Dennis."

Dennis is pictured with his wife Vivien receiving his long-service award from Matt Walls.