The long-awaited reopening of a town's post office has been postponed on the day of its expected return.

Watton's post office closed its doors on May 31 last year, and was officially reopened by mayor Tina Kidell and MP George Freeman on Friday, February 15.

However on its planned first day in business 'telecommunication issues' have stalled the operation.

A Post Office spokesman said: 'We know how much the community is looking forward to a full-time Post Office service being restored to Watton.

'Unfortunately, due to a telecommunications issue we will not be able to re-open the branch as planned today.

'We apologise for any inconvenience and disappointment caused by the delayed opening, and we would like to reassure customers that we are working hard with our suppliers and their engineers to open this branch as quickly as possible.

'As a contingency plan the mobile Post Office will continue to operate from Watton Library car park on a Thursday afternoon from 1.30-3.30pm until the Post Office can open.'