THE Caine family have been given national recognition for their 50 years' unstinting service at Mardy Post Office.

Rosemary Caine, her son Keith and his wife Zoe were runners-up from the whole of Wales in the customer service category of the national Best Post Office competition.

Rose Caine took over from her father in law Jim when he retired, and Keith will do the same when his mum decides to call it a day. Keith said: "Grampie started running the post office in Mardy in 1955 and he would be really proud that we have gained this recognition, and we are over the moon, especially to get it for customer service because our priority has always been our customers."

He said the award is also testimony to the family's fight against closure, which they have managed to evade three times in recent years.

He said the family was proud that theirs was the only post office from the area to get into the finals of the prestigious competition which saw the winners gain a commemorative plaque and £750 in vouchers, with £250 for the runners-up.

Keith and Zoe have two daughters, Amber, 10, and six year old Tybie (the Welsh word for saint), who are pupils at Llantilio Pertholey Church In Wales Primary School, but he does not think they will follow in the family footsteps.

As well as providing their customers with Post Office services, the family sell papers, cards, toys, stationery and confectionery.

Richard Jefferson, post office manager said: "This is fantastic for Rosemary and Keith Caine and their staff because the award recognised the importance of the service."