That's the message from the postmaster at Layton's Torsway Avenue post office who says he will continue to deliver a first- class service at his shop.

Julian Wigley closed his post office counter yesterday to the dismay of customers who say they were baffled by Post Office Ltd's decision to close the busy branch.

But Mr Wigley says that with help of the payoff he received due to the closure of his post office counter he will continue to run his newspaper shop and has pleaded with customers to stay loyal.

"It's a sad day," he said.

"But I want to make clear that the shop is staying open.

"We will be looking to do more newspaper deliveries and increase that business.

"We'll try to provide a good service for everyone in the area and, hopefully, we will be just as successful.

"I also have to thank everyone who tried to keep the post office open, from The Gazette to all my customers and friends who have shown their support and Blackpool Council for trying to mount a rescue plan."

Customer, Dave Vernon, 70, of Fordway Avenue, said: "What a fantastic service this place has been. The postmaster and his wife are both really good with the customers and I've been coming here for 30 or 35 years.

"The place is always busy and sometimes there's a queue to the door."

The branch was the centre of controversy during its closure period with Blackpool Council trying unsuccessfully to execute a business rescue plan which would have seen council services put into the branch to make it more profitable and remain open.

Council leader Peter Callow called for a public inquiry and stay of execution while talks continued, but Post Office Ltd declined.

Coun Callow added: "I want people know we've not abandoned the business.

"There is a small parade of shops on that road and I know people in the area will not want the whole lot to collapse.

"We could still put council services in there to sell tickets and services."

The Gazette's Stand up for Post Offices campaign saw vast support across the coast with more than 9,000 signing a petition.

Lytham's Warton Street post office was saved from closure but three other offices have closed and eight more will follow.