PENARTH Post Office has won the Better for Customers category at the Post Office’s ‘We’re Stronger Together’ regional awards for the Northern Ireland and Wales region.

The awards recognise the efforts made by postmasters across the region to keep branches open during the Covid-19 pandemic and serving their local community.

The award was presented virtually to Postmaster Sajaad Yassin - who runs Penarth Post Office - last night by Post Office Chief Executive Nick Read.

Post Office Area Manager Fiona Hogg, said: “Sajaad at Penarth Post Office won in this category because he has continually gone above and beyond in helping customers, and making sure they have access to essential services during the pandemic.

“Sajaad extended his working hours to accommodate his most vulnerable customers; giving them a quieter and safer times to come into the branch.

“Sajaad also became the interim postmaster to a Post Office on Wheels, to ensure another community that had their Post Office close, could access essential banking services.

“It does not matter who the customer is or what they come in for they get treated with respect and courtesy.”

Speaking after accepting the award, Mr Yassin said: “Myself and my team at Penarth Post Office are over the moon on winning the award, we would also like to thank all our customers and our community for staying stronger together, adapting to the social distancing and their patience.

“Penarth Post Office is here for our customers when we are most needed in these challenging times.”

Nick Read, Chief Executive at the Post Office, said: “I have heard many inspiring stories of postmasters going the extra mile and I have welcomed the opportunity to hear first-hand how postmasters in Northern Ireland and Wales have fared during the pandemic including Penarth.

“All retailers have been affected and Post Office was no exception. The next few weeks and months will be a critical period as we try and return to a sense of normality.

“Post Office branches have a vital role to play in supporting their customers and communities, as well as helping small businesses and independent retailers get back on their feet.”