CASH has been found to save a recently closed Borders village post office.

An internal fit out costing £18,000 is needed at the West Linton hub, which shut around a month ago after previous operators Gillian and Calum Greenhow retired.

Villagers were asked to crowd fund the works in a bid to secure the future of the vital facility.

But Post Office Ltd has “unexpectedly” swooped in to cover the costs.

Prospective sub-postmistress Susan Meikle, who already runs a postal centre in Innerleithen, said she was “delighted” to share the “great news”.

“Post Office Ltd has unexpectedly secured funding to cover all equipment, fixtures and fittings necessary to reopen the post office in West Linton – previously estimated at £18,000,” she said.

“This rightly reflects the Post Office Ltd’s mandated duty to our rural community to support local needs and foster social inclusion, and so I welcome their decision.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported me in this endeavour, particularly West Linton Community Council, Gillian and Calum Greenhow, the Scottish Borders Council Tweeddale West councillors, and David Mundell MP, all of whom have campaigned tirelessly and provided invaluable assistance.

“I am especially humbled by the generosity of everyone who contributed to our GoFundMe campaign.”

Refunds of about £2,500 will be issued to people who supported the appeal.

There are still a few challenges to overcome, but Ms Meikle hopes to open the doors in spring.

A Post Office Ltd spokesperson said the company was pleased that funding had become available for the fit out of the permanent post office.

“This will replace the interim mobile post office service for West Linton, which was recently introduced after the retirement of the long-serving couple Gillian and Calum Greenhow, who had run West Linton post office for many years,” the spokesperson added.