A village post office near Kidderminster is bucking the trend by planning an expansion at a time when many branches are being forced to close.

Arley Post Office is planning to expand its shop area by 25 square metres so it can stock more produce as it is doing brisk trade in the village.

Currently the building, which dates back to the 1600s, is an L-shape, but with the new extension it will be turned into a square shape, according to post master Peter Smith.

Mr Smith said: “We are still waiting to hear what will happen about the post office itself. There will be an announcement next month. However, regardless of that, we want to expand the shop. We have a reasonable number of customers.

“It would be built using old bricks and tiles.”

Mr Smith’s wife runs the village tea room nearby.

The plans for the expansion to the post office have now been submitted to Wyre Forest District Council.

Meanwhile, there are fears for the future of Wolverley Post Office which has been closed for more than six months due to the postmaster’s ill health. It will be easier to axe a branch that is already closed, Wolverley villagers say.