Ashburton Post Office is marking its seventh anniversary by doing what it does best – putting the community first by serving the residents and businesses and fundraising for the town.

Seven years ago community-minded Stuart and Jackie Rogers took over Ashburton Post Office, refurbishing the premises and adding a popular community library.

Despite the unprecedented times the couple wanted to mark their special anniversary.

To help the community, Stuart launched an ongoing promotion last week. They will donate money for each Royal Mail special delivery and signed service, plus Parcelforce AM service to a local coronavirus charity – Emergency Fund Response Ashburton, which is assisting local groups during the pandemic.

Central Devon MP Mel Stride, MP said: ‘Stuart and Jackie have done a tremendous job turning Ashburton Post Office into a thriving branch that is a real hub of the community. They always go the extra mile to give back to the community who support them and have raised thousands of pounds for good causes.’

Nick Read, Post Office chief executive, congratulated Stuart and Jackie on their successful seven year stint. He said: ‘It’s been a very lucky seven years for Ashburton as this hardworking couple, who are very community-minded, have completely transformed the branch.

‘They are role models as to how to run a post office business, always finding innovative ways to serve the residents and businesses of Ashburton and to fundraise to help the Ashburton community.’

In 2018 Ashburton apprentice Joanna Giles walked from Lands End to John O’Groats, visiting post offices en route, to raise money for Cancer Research UK and Ashburton Arts.

Stuart and Jackie have found many creative ways to support the community over the years. For the past five years for every ATM transaction the couple have donated two pence to a community fund for local good causes. This has raised more than £12,000.

Stuart was awarded the British Empire Medal in the Queens’ Birthday Honours list in recognition of the contribution that he has made to the Post Office and community as postmaster of Ashburton Post Office.