THE people of Purbeck have been isssued a challenge - use your post office or lose it.

Although Carey Post Office escaped being on the recent closure list, it could still be shut down if not enough demand is shown.

Now 40 residents, a town crier and an MP have made a rallying call for people to turn out to save it.

Post office manager Amanda Stuart said: "We got a group of people together because we wanted to show our support for the post office, which is a necessity in this area."

The Carey Road branch sees hundreds of customers a day, and its closure would force residents to travel to the nearest post office in Wareham.

Mrs Stuart said: "Think of the elderly people who come here, they won't be able to walk up the hill to Wareham."

The news of the consultation comes shortly after the decision to close Sandford Post Office.

"Sandford's customers will already have to come to us," Mrs Stuart said.

"If we close, Wareham will have to cope with another two communities using their post office - it's a nightmare."

Government criteria states that 99 per cent of the population should live within three miles of a post office, and 90 per cent within one mile.

Mrs Stuart said: "Unfortunately Wareham would be within the distance set out - but surely they should think of the elderly trying to get there."

Annette Brooke, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, showed her support for the post office. She said: "There was a very large number of people there for a Monday lunchtime, which just goes to show how much people care for this service.

"Carey Road is a viable and vibrant post office, which receives a steady stream of customers - there is no case for closing it."

The final decision is expected to be made by September 23.