Some say the days of the friendly local post office are gone - but not Fred Leggett and his team who have won an award for their customer service.

Some say the days of the friendly local post office are gone - but not Fred Leggett and his team who have won an award for their customer service.

Mr Leggett and his nine colleagues at Dereham Post Office were nominated for the award by their customers, all of whom took time out of their day to fill out a form because they believe their post office is the best.

The office, on Quebec Street in the town, won Best Directly-Managed Post Office in the South East award and will be going on to compete for the national title.

The post office is directly managed by the Post Office, meaning that it is run by the company itself and not as part of a private enterprise.

There are only around 500 directly-run branches in the country and Mr Leggett is determined that the reason the post office is so popular is because it cherishes the personal touch.

He said: "I think there are so many things which have become completely de-personalised, like banks and shops, where there is no sense of friendliness or recognition. I also think that we provide a very efficient service.

"We give customers what they want in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, and we have a bit of fun!"

"Dereham is a very friendly place, I think that is partly why so many people voted for us."

Nirmalan Mylvaganham, who has worked for the Post Office for five years, but has been at the Dereham branch for eight months thinks the staff and customers at Dereham make it one of the best places he has worked.

"I do like working here, everyone is very friendly and that makes all the difference."

Mr Leggett and one member of his team will attend the National Post Office Awards in London on November 16.