A POST Office branch in Corfe Mullen has reopened after being fully refurbished by its new postmaster - and now includes a pottery workshop.

Hillview Post Office, in Wareham Road, reopened on July 14 following a two-week refit which has seen the introduction of two new-style counters, longer opening hours and a pottery workshop serving refreshments.

New postmaster Katharine Osborne has modernised the premises into a newer retail environment which, as well as postal services, offers cards, stationery and gifts.

Ms Osborne said: “Corfe Mullen Hillview Post Office, incorporating Kate's Korner Pottery Painting workshop, is now open.

“We now have a shiny new and clean post office offering all postal services as well as insurances, travel monies, banking, DVLA car tax, bill payments and more. Stationery and cards are also available.

“We are supporting local businesses by offering space to advertise and sell their local products, which are beautiful, different and amazing.

“Kate's Korner, within the post office premises, is a small cosy and friendly pottery painting space offering refreshments (cakes, coffee, tea and milkshakes) at a reasonable price.

“We encourage people to drop in and have a cuppa and cake or delve into their arty side and paint a pot or join one of our workshops.

“I am a local lady with a huge smile and lots of enthusiasm and I sincerely hope the local public will support their local post office and shop. I am looking forward to meeting lots of local people and keeping the post office alive.”

The new opening hours for the branch are Mondays to Saturdays 9am – 5pm.

This is nearly 15 extra hours of Post Office service a week with the addition of Saturday trading, a later closing time and the fact the branch will no longer close on a Friday lunchtime as was the case previously.