A Brighton post office has been temporarily saved from closure after a member of staff offered to take over the service.

The Kemp Town post office at Garnet House was due to close last week when Pat Bonner retired after six years as its sub-postmistress.

At the last minute, Mrs Bonner's assistant, Julia Clarke, struck a deal with Post Office Ltd to take over the service in St George's Road for six months.

She hopes to eventually take over the business on a permanent basis while renting out the premises from Mrs Bonner, who continues to hold the lease.

Miss Clarke, 26, said: "It's a great opportunity for me but more than anything it means the post office will continue to serve the community."

Mrs Bonner, 58 added: "I am really pleased Julia is taking over because the older people were getting really upset about the post office having to close. I was feeling really guilty about letting them down."

In case the deal cannot be made permanent, the Post Office is appealing to retailers in the area for someone willing to run an outlet from their own premises.

Shops, pubs and other outlets would be considered in an effort to ensure the community continues to receive a service.

Anyone interested in the vacancy should write to Agency Recruitment, Human Resources, Freepost NWW 1675A, Salford, Manchester M5 9JB.