Kelty Post Office’s customers have ensured it took runner-up spot in a national competition to find the top post offices in Scotland.

This was the first time it had entered the contest. It came second in the best town and city post office in the awards, run in association with National Savings & Investments.

Sub postmistress Amanda Barnes, who works there with two other members of staff, said, “We put out a box for nominations and told the customers about it and the rest was up to them.”

Amanda has been in charge of the busy branch for three years.

The awards aim to recognise the hard work and community spirit of people working in the network across the UK.

There are awards for rural, town and city and directly managed branches, as well as three special award categories for sub postmasters and their teams who go that extra step.

“Post office branches are at the heart of communities across Scotland, “ said Andy Bayfield, head of Area Post Office Ltd.

“The 2006 best post office branch awards are an opportunity for customers to tell us which branches are the very best.

“It is also an opportunity for us to reward the people who give that bit more and make their post office branch a great place for customers to visit,” he added.

Kelty gets a prize of £150.