A village post office in South Staffordshire was preparing to close its doors today after 160 years at the heart of the community.

Codsall Wood Post Office, near Wolverhampton, is one of 53 branches across Staffordshire which has been ordered to close as part of a national shake-up.

Villagers and loyal customers have been dropping into the shop in Codsall Wood Road all morning to say their farewells to the historic branch, which first opened in 1848.

It was named Best Rural Post Office in the Midlands in 2003.

Today will also mark the beginning of retirement for 60-year-old postmistress Catherine Hesson, who has run the village post office for the last 25 years. Her daughter Zona Lesniewicz was in the post office this morning to help out and show her support on the final day.

“All the villagers are extremely sad,” she said.

“We’ve had a lot of well wishers coming in today which is nice.

“It’s a very big step for my mother but I think she is looking forward to her retirement as well.

“It’s an emotional day for her and for everyone.”

She said her mother and the post office had received a great deal of support since closure was announced in April. “She would like to thank all her regular customers for all of their support over the years and all the kind wishes during the last week,” she said.

“She’s been here 25 years and it is unfortunate for it to end like this, but there have been lots of people coming in this morning just to wish her well.

“It is an emotional day so I wanted to come in to give her a bit of support,” she added.

Catherine grew up in Walsall but has lived in Codsall Wood for 35 years, with most of that time spent at the helm of the post office. Codsall Wood Post Office opened in 1848 under postmaster George Wassell and after 31 years, he was succeeded by his daughter Maria Beardsmore who was behind the counter for 60 years, receiving the King’s Silver Jubilee medal for her dedication to her job.

Maria was then succeeded by her daughter Ella Woodroffe, who worked in the post office for 44 years before she died in 1983 and Catherine Hesson took over.

Three post offices in the Stafford area were also preparing to close their doors for the last time today.

The Wolverhampton Road, Marston Road and Stowe-by-Chartley branches were all being axed after finishing their final day of trading.

The closure plan from Post Office Ltd followed a six week consultation exercise across Staffordshire.