A TWO-year promise to a West Wight schoolboy was honoured at a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the reopening of Wellow Post Office.

Riley Weaver, nine, who attends Shalfleet School, was joined by Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely as they officially launched the new venture.

The Post Office at 'Rossiter's' will be run by Sue Pritchett each Monday and Thursday afternoon in conjunction with Shalfleet which is open in the mornings on the same days.

The project has been made possible by Steve Higginson and Charmaine Rivers, the owners of Rossiter's Vineyard Barn, which now incorporates four holiday cottage lets.

Sue said: "I first started the Post Office here in 1994 when it was run from a house in Wellow.

"In 2004, the owners sold up and I was offered the opportunity to take up part of a barn at Rossiter's, a former vineyard.

"When the property was sold again, Steve and Charmaine were committed to keep the Post Office running and I am delighted they have done so.

"Without them it would have closed for good. Now the elderly villagers can pop in just for a chat, do their banking and post their parcels and letters. It's a very valuable asset for us all."

Charmaine added: "There has been a lot to do with the rebuild and complying with the Post Office regulations without their financial help. We know how important it is for the community."

Riley, who officially declared the Post Office open, said: "I've been waiting for two years to do this. I thought it would for everybody to see a young person open it up, it's been very exciting."