One of Norfolk's busiest villages is to lose its post office this month but a historic hotel could provide a future for the service, it has emerged.

The post office at Little Walsingham, near Fakenham, is to close next Monday.

But Irene Armstrong is interested in opening a post office in the village's Black Lion Hotel, which she owns.

She said: 'We are investigating taking on a post office. It is necessary to have one in a village of this size. I've had support from the parish council and Post Office Ltd seems keen. There is a process which takes 12 weeks and I'm starting that now.'

A spokesman for Post Office Ltd said: 'Following the withdrawal of the premises for Post Office use, the branch at 31 High Street, Walsingham, will be closing temporarily. It remains our intention to keep a Post Office service in Walsingham and we are investigating the options available.

'Our priority is to maintain Post Office services to local communities and it is therefore important that any future service is sustainable for the person operating the service, and for Post Office Ltd.'

Parish council chairman Brian Landale said: 'We've been aware for some time that the post office is closing and we've been trying for months to find somewhere else to take it on.

'The Black Lion is interested but it is early days. I hope they can sort things out as quickly as possible.'

Post Office Ltd has recommended, in the meantime, that people in Walsingham use post offices at Hindringham, Little Snoring and Fakenham.

Meanwhile, we reported last month on the closure of Whissonsett post office, near Fakenham. Post Office Ltd said it was still looking to open another post office at Whissonsett and pursuing options.

adam.lazzari@archant.co.uk