The Rev Janet Burbury receives copies of the paper from Mail van driver Andy Fleming

Newspaper readers will be getting their news from the pews after the Hartlepool Mail stepped in to help villagers whose post office was axed.

People living in Hart, on the outskirts of Hartlepool, were suffering a local news blackout after Hart Post Office – which sold copies of the paper – closed in July.

But the Mail answered their prayers and villagers can now pick up their favourite read at their local church.

The newspaper will now be delivered to St Mary Magdalene Church after a plea from local clergy the Rev Janet Burbury and the Rev John Lund.

Rev Burbury said: “The post office was the place to meet and I could see there were fewer people walking along the street. The place took on a different feel. I thought, ‘this is sad’.

“We all know local news is important to people – and the Mail is an important part of that.”

Rev Lund added: “Ever since the post office closed people have had to travel further for the Mail. If you are a pensioner or have got the car in the garage or whatever, it is hard to get the paper.

“I think people could wander up to church and get their papers and even a cup of tea.”

Mail editor Joy Yates said: “The loss of the three post offices throughout town was a blow to residents. The opening up of the church for people to get their newspapers is a great idea and for us to be able to help is just fantastic.”