SHERSTON’S post office has once again been recognised as one of the best independent stores in the country.

The store came in the highly respected Independent Achievers Academy Top 100 list of independent stores recently.

Entrants in the competition are measured on a best practice report they each submit with evidence, a mystery shopper report, and a judging panel.

Paul Mather, 57, who owns the store with his wife Gail, said he was “delighted” to have made the top 100 for the fourth time.

“This is very important to us, as it recognises that we are hitting the standards that the industry experts expect us to hit,” said Paul.

“For the last four years in succession it’s been one of the things we strive for.

“Things change all the time, the key is to keep up to date.”

To thank his staff for their efforts, Paul says the team at the post office are going to be treated to staff party.

When asked what their secret to good customer service was, Paul said: “If staff are happy then that casts about the customers.

“You treat your staff as you want to be treated yourself, and we recognise each person has individual needs, so we try to be as sympathetic as possible.

“All our staff have pride in the shop, everyone is a cog in the wheel.”

Paul and Gail, who have been married for 35 years, moved to Sherston and set up the shop after their son left university 12 years ago.

“We’re proud of what we’re doing, and we love the village,” he said.

“Sherston gives you the motivation. If you try something new, the customers respond and you’re motivated to try something else new.”