LONGER opening hours got the stamp of approval at a Lower Earley Post Office this week.

Housed inside the the McColl's store in Chalfont way has announced it will soon be open seven days a week, adding an extra 27 hours to its current trading times.

The change comes as part of a nationwide modernisation by Post Office, revamping thousands of branches.

Customers will also be able to pay bills, collect travel money and pick up benefits.

Alan Ridoutt, area manager for Post Office, said the branch will meet community needs.

He said: "We are making it easier for customers to get their cash, send and collect their mail and do their banking because we know how important these services are to local residents.

"This modernisation is part of a major investment programme, the largest in the history of the Post Office and will secure services for the future. The investment marks a commitment to no more branch closure programmes.”

The newly modernised post office will open at 1pm on Friday September 11, and will be open until 5.30pm Monday and Tuesday, 6pm Wednesday to Friday, 5.30pm Saturday and 4pm Sunday.

Dave Thomas, chief operating officer for McColl's Retail Group added: "We are delighted to soon be welcoming customers to our newly refurbished Lower Earley Post Office, which will offer a wide range of Post Office services alongside our extensive retail offer.

"As a convenience store operator we are always looking for ways to make life easier for our customers and the additional Post Office services will be available for the full opening hours of the store in order to provide an excellent service for the local community.”

The branch will be closed for refurbishment on Saturday August 29 from 12.30pm.