RESIDENTS of a Gwent village could soon have an added incentive to support their local post office - the chance of a swift half when they buy a stamp.

The Cherry Tree Inn, in Forge Road, Tintern, is asking Monmouthshire county council for permission to change the use of the front cellar to a post office.

Tintern's post office closed last summer, leaving the village and area without postal facilities.

Steve Pocock, landlord of The Cherry Tree Inn, said: "The idea came after talking to locals about the four or five-mile drive to Chepstow Post Office and I thought 'we've got a spare room we could give Tintern its post office back'.

"All the locals have been really pleased - I have had nothing but positive comments."

Post Office bosses are also supporting the proposal, which would see the Tintern facility opening from 11am until 7pm to give people at work the chance to use it.

Despite its unusual location, the post office would have everything that a normal post office offers, including the ability to handle car tax details. Mr Pocock said: "I envisage that the trade will be quite regular once people know there is a post office here.

"People will be able to collect pensions and come to the post office and then have a meal and pint and walk off home quite happy.

"I think it is quite unusual, with only a handful across the country, but I think it is the way to go - a one-stop, with post office, and we serve really good ale, excellent food and bed and breakfast."

Villagers have complained they sometimes have to waste hours just trying to get to the nearest post office and back.

"I am doing this purely to help Tintern and give Tintern a post office back. I don't foresee any problems or that the pub and post office should interfere with each other - I am just waiting for the decision by the council now."

Tintern community councillor Dawn Floyd said: "Local people would love to have a post office but I believe there is a concern about parking.

"Access and parking seem to be the only concerns but I am glad somebody is doing something about it and if they can work out something I wish them the best."

A Post Office spokeswoman said: "Post Office branches in pubs are rare but there are a few dotted around the country and we have found they work extremely well.

"We are hoping the post office will be open soon with vital Post Office services returning to Tintern."