Hambledon Village Shop has received a second award, this time for the team that runs the Post Office Counter.

A month after shop volunteers were honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (see earlier news story), comes the Post Office’s Community Service Award.

In a citation thanking all staff whose contributions have helped keep the crucial service open during the past 20 years, Paula Vennells, chief executive of Post Office Ltd said: “The Post Office holds a proud and unique place in communities across the UK as a trusted company with a social purpose. We have an enviable reputation that we could not hope to attain without the work of outstanding branches like yours and I can assure you that your efforts are appreciated by the whole business. Thank you.”

There is no presentation but a handsome plaque will go on display once the shop refurbishment has been completed. Congratulations go to Guy Lemieux and successive shop managers who have provided Post Office services as well as running the shop; to Alison Wilson who has in practice been in charge ever since she joined the team; to Michelle Abbott who does so much of the day-to-day counter work; to Alan Brien who provides vital back-up support; to Jane Woolley who became the first Post Mistress when the shop reopened as a community venture and last but by no means least to John Tidmarsh, the one remaining Post Office volunteer.