Shotley Post Office was a finalist in the Community Engagement category at the Post Office's 'We're Stronger Together' regional awards for the East of England 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.

The outstanding work by Postmaster Manish Patel who runs Shotley Post Office, was highlighted last night by Post Office Chief Executive Nick Read.

Postmasters who operate branches in East of England region had the opportunity to share their experience of running their branch during the pandemic and hear directly about the Post Office's future growth strategy.

Post Office Area Manager Shervorne Page, said: "Manish of Shotley Post Office has been nominated for our Community Engagement award for his continued service over 25 years. He recently marked his 25th anniversary at Shotley Post Office by delivering packaged Diwali sweets to 1,100 homes in Shotley and Shotley Gate, thanking customers for their continued dedication to the branch and in recognition of how the community has pulled together in the last three months."

Manish and his staff also delivered food to many residents during lockdown, especially those who were shielding and could not collect their groceries.

Modest Manish said: "When you have staff as good as I have, then it is easy. They make me look good.

"I do thank the Post Office for the recognition of what we do here for our community."

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 the East of England have fared during the pandemic including Shotley.

"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 retailers get back on their feet."

Postmasters heard more about three areas of their business that could help them recover some of the lost trade as a result of the pandemic – Mails and Parcels, banking – cash withdrawals and deposits, and the return in demand for foreign exchange.

• Many people rely on easy access to cash. To spend that cash, businesses need to continue to accept it, and be able to conveniently deposit it into their business bank accounts. That 'cash cycle' will play a vital part in our economic recovery from Covid-19. Post Office branches are often the last counter in town where businesses can deposit a day's takings. Business deposits are growing between 10 - 20% week on week
• For small businesses, being able to get goods out to customers is key. Post Office's 'Drop and Go' parcel service has seen a 70% increase in use month on month.
• Last month, Post Office reactivated its online foreign exchange service and its branch pre-order operation. Customers planning trips abroad can order over 60 currencies online for next day home delivery or collection from all 11,500 Post Office branches. The option to collect in-branch helps increase footfall at our branches and on the UK's High Streets.

The Post Office said: "Penny has demonstrated real dedication to her Post Office and has completed multiple deliveries to vulnerable customers in the community.