Harjit -service with a winning smile

Even though he now lives in St Leonards, Maurice Elgar still draws his pension from the Haslam Crescent sub-post office at Pebsham because sub-postmaster Harjit Walia is so obliging.

That is why Maurice fronted a nomination on Harjit's behalf for an exclusive Post Office national award.

Now Harjit has an even broader smile for all for he is the proud recipient of an Innovation Award for Post Office Excellence.

Harjit's newly-arrived certificate and his handsome acrylic trophy have pride of place behind the counter of his sub-post office.

Maurice says: "I am so pleased he has won the award. He works so hard to please all his customers.

"I run the Hastings Schools' Stamp Group, a stamp club for schools all over Hastings. I get all my stamps from Harjit Walia because he is always so helpful.

"He's such s superb postmaster. I still get my pension from him, even though I live in St Leonards."

Delighted Harjit says: "I have been here 13 years. It's the longest I have been anywhere. It's because my customers are so nice here. That's what keeps you going."