Tesco intends to take on the post office counter inside Freshwater's The Co-operative when it rebrands the store, the County Press has been told.

The deal is yet to be finalised but the shop - and vital post office - are expected to change hands in the autumn.

Concerns had been raised, as reported by the County Press, that the town would lose the postal facilities.

However, we have learned there are plans for it to stay.

A Post Office spokesperson said: “[The branch in the Co-operative is currently] open as normal.

"We received a resignation from the present operator of the branch.

"The premises are being taken over by another supermarket and we are in discussions with them about operating a Post Office from this location.”

The County Press has been told the intention is for it to remain.

By contrast, when Newport's Co-op closed, post office facilities were lost in the town centre.

Meanwhile staff at Freshwater's Afton Road The Co-operative are being offered a TUPE transfer when the store changes hands.