THE new proprietors of a post office have said they hope to build on the work of their predecessors.

Jenny Cain and her partner Nick Herring have taken over Barnards Green Post Office from Jenny and David Stephens, who ran it for 14 years.

Mr Herring, who has served in the RAF for almost 30 years and had stints in the Falklands, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan, said he "felt the time was right" to move on.

The post office was closed on Wednesday for a handover and Malvern residents Miss Cain, 41, and Mr Herring took over officially today (Thursday 30).

Miss Cain, who ran businesses for other people in her previous career, said she was excited about the move: "We will change things slowly and gradually, and it will be done so people are happy.

"We are here to serve a local community and David and Jenny have done that for a number of years.

"We need to carry on doing that and we intend to."

Mr Herring, 46, who was a student at Dyson Perrins before joining the RAF in a logistics role when he was 17, said: "I decided I wanted to settle locally, as my dad lives in West Malvern and I wanted some family time with Jen and my son Charlie."

Mr and Mrs Stephens, who live in Bransford, are now retiring.

They have seen numerous changes in their time at the post office

Hallow-born Mr Stephens, 65, said: "The best part has been dealing with people and getting to know them.

"It's nice to go out for a walk at lunchtime and everybody I see says hello.

"It's been really touching this week, we went home with a car full of flowers.

"We'd both like to wish Jenny and Nick luck and we're hoping they do well."

Mrs Stephens, 64, who was born and bred in Powick, said: "We've always enjoyed it and met some lovely people who have been supportive of us."