Whitland Post Office was recently named as a finalist in the Community Engagement category at the Post Office’s ‘We’re Stronger Together’ regional awards for the Northern Ireland and Wales region.

The awards recognise the efforts made by postmasters across the region to keep branches open during the Covid-19 pandemic and serving their local community.

Post Office area manager David Leonard, said: “Postmaster Barry Chapman at Whitland Post Office was nominated for our Community Engagement award for his commitment to helping his community through the pandemic. After it was announced that the Post Office card account was closing at the end of next year, Barry organised two events with Barclays, NatWest and DWP to discuss options with his customers to replace POca. He has done his utmost to ensure that vulnerable customers have access to essential banking services.

“Barry continually goes out of his way for his customers, nothing is too much trouble for him.”

Nick Read, chief executive at the Post Office, said: “I have heard many inspiring stories of postmasters going the extra mile and I have welcomed the opportunity to hear first-hand how postmasters in Northern Ireland and Wales have fared during the pandemic including Whitland.

“All retailers have been affected and Post Office was no exception. The next few weeks and months will be a critical period as we try and return to a sense of normality. Post Office branches have a vital role to play in supporting their customers and communities, as well as helping small businesses and independent retail.