A POPULAR postmaster has retired after 44 years of serving a Barnsley village.

At the age of 19, Mark Fisher took on a small shop in 1981 which sold newspapers and sweets and non-food items.

A few years later he extended the premises on Wentworth Road, Jump, to also add a grocery shop and living accommodation above.

This is where he and his wife, Lorraine, raised a family before making the move to Wombwell.

The opportunity then came about to take on the Post Office which was located nearby, but he had to add another extension to the shop to accommodate the branch.

Mark said he was very proud that he was able to grow his business and that his Post Office is still going strong whereas bigger villages have seen their branch close.

Mark said: “News got out on social media that I was retiring and I have been overwhelmed by messages to thank me.

“People who I have known since they were children now have grandchildren of their own.

“My proudest achievement is that I have grown the business and fought to keep our little Post Office open in this small village whereas other offices in larger villages have closed.

“I want to thank my loyal customers but most of all thank my wonderful loyal staff.

“I’m 63 now and I am looking forward to having more time to relax.”

Jayne Wylde, who has worked at various Post Offices including Rotherham, Elsecar and Hemingfield branches for over 40 years, will continue to work at Jump Post Office.

The new owners are Ras and Rachelle Rasinthan, who took over on October 15.