GOODIES star Tim Brooke Taylor cut the ribbon today to beckon in a new era for a village pub which can now sell stamps as well as cider.

The comic radio actor, a resident in Cookham Dean, was the star guest today at the re-opening of the Post Office, now based at the Jolly Farmer pub in Bigfrith Lane.

Its former home closed in February and the village has been without the amenity since.

Cookham musicians The Fabulous Shirtlifters jazzed up the opening ceremony, which was attended by around 100 enthusiastic villagers.

Mr Brooke Taylor said: “I think it's terrific and we can all use that awful euphemism with our wives now that 'we're just going to get some stamps'.

“It gives them an excuse to go the pub. They're both essentially village things in the local area.

“You can't just walk to the other post office quickly, it's not easy. Keeping it here is essential really.”

The radio comic was one of about 60 villagers who bought the freehold on the pub to ensure it was not redeveloped and has now been leased by landlady Laura Kelsey for six years.

Mrs Kelsey said: “I'm quite overwhelmed actually by the number of people who have turned out for it, it's absolutely fantastic.

“It shows that the pub is at the heart of the village.”

Among residents who were welcoming in the new service was television sports presenter Jim Rosenthal.

He said: “It was a huge blow to the village when it went but I'm sure it will be very popular. It certainly needs a post office, we really miss it.

“I've never heard of another one before combining the two things but it's a great location for it.”

The new service will operate as open plan from the restaurant area of the public house, and there will be a low-level serving counter and hearing loop.

Opening times will be from 3pm to 5.30pm Tuesdays and Thursdays.