Devizes resident Tim Coomer will champion the benefits of Post Offices after being appointed to the newly formed Post Office Advisory Council.

Mr Coomer, 39, used to manage his family’s corner shop in Upavon, which latterly included a Post Office.

He works with rural businesses in his job as an advisor with Community First, the community council for Wiltshire.

The 24-strong advisory council will be tasked with helping to shape the future of the Post Office and its members reflect a cross section of the community.

Mr Coomer said the role of Post Offices is still important.

He said: “The main issue is the Post Office is subsidised quite heavily by Government grants and that can’t be the case in the long term.

“Retailers and sub-postmasters bring a social value to villages.”