CELEBRATIONS are afoot at the Newport branch of Parcelforce Worldwide after staff were voted best in the country for day to day control of its operations.

The South Wales depot, which delivers more than 3,000 parcels a day and collects around 1,200 parcels daily from customers, beat colleagues from 30 other Parcelforce depots around the UK to clinch the accolade.

Newport operations manager, Jeff Pace, said: "We have a great bunch of people here in Newport. Drivers and sorters work well together and the managers are all very experienced.

"We have done a lot to get procedures and systems working well and if someone is away, there is always a good replacement to keep things running smoothly."

Managing Director Vanessa Leeson visited the depot on Maesglas Industrial Estate to personally praise the 57 staff for their achievements and hand over the certificate.

"This award is a real tribute to the staff for their commitment to customer services in South Wales. It is a testament to the creativity and hard work that is being shown around the country by everyone involved in helping to turn around the business," she said.

Parcelforce Worldwide nationally is expected to show an operating profit this financial year (2004/05) after posting reducing losses in previous years.

The day-to-day operation award is one of six best in class awards being presented by Parcelforce Worldwide to depot staff, to highlight and recognise outstanding achievement and excellent performance.

For more information about Parcelforce Worldwide services visit the website www.parcelforce.co.uk or ring 08708 501150.

Meanwhile, residents in Tintern can now get a stamp and a pint under the same roof - their new Post Office is located inside a local pub.

The Cherry Tree Inn has been adapted to house a fully-fledged post office branch managed by subpostmistress Tracey Davies.

The village had been without a branch for nearly two years, until landlord Steve Pocock and his wife, Jill, got together with Tracey and Post Office rural transfer adviser, Joy Passmore to hatch the pints and postage idea.