A CONVENIENCE shop in Bolton has opened an in-store Post Office branch.

The store in Gilnow Road was formerly known as Finest Foods, but re-opened last year as Pindoria Superstore.

They were approached by the Post Office following the relocation of the central Post Office in Bolton town centre.

The shop’s owner, Premvati Rabadia, decided to open the Post Office desk to boost business, while helping the local community.

Her son, Anvish Rabadia, said: “Locals would have to park in town, whereas here the Post Office is open whenever the shop is open and there’s free parking outside, so it’s more convenient for customers.

“Now the elderly don’t have to go into town to get their pensions. We try to cater for everyone.”

The shop offers a wide range of postal services, available between 7am and 9pm throughout the week.

Mr Rabadia added: “We want more customers coming in so it’s to increase our footfall.

“A lot of customers have noticed and have now started to buy more products.”

The new branch offers an open-plan service point, integrated within the Pindoria Superstore’s existing till.

Christine Marshall, Post Office area network change manager, said: “We know how important our services are to customers and are confident that this new Post Office alongside our other branches, will ensure that people in the community have easy access to our services.”

Across the UK, 98 per cent of Post Office branches are run in the same way as the Gilnow Road counter, with retail partners.