Community celebrates Nina Jerez and team of volunteers at Horton Post Office, Ilminster

Nina Jerez, the postmistress at Horton Post Office, and local volunteers were given a plaque and gifts for their help during the coronavirus pandemic.

Chair of Horton Parish Council Ann Winter and chair of Horton Village Hall, Ken White, presented Nine and her colleagues with the plaque, wine and flowers.

Ms Jerez, who lives in the village near Ilminster, said: "It was a total surprise. It absolutely blew me away.

“I do what I do because this is my life and I just love it. I put the Post Office first every time and the people are so lovely here, I couldn’t wish to live in a better place.

“For the last 23 years, the Post Office has been my life and my world. I lost my husband nearly 16 years ago and I had such support from the community.

“Anything I can do it always my pleasure.

“I feel very privileged and lucky. I want to thank everyone for supporting me, because without them I wouldn’t have a shop or Post Office.”

Nina with her plaque and flowers

During the pandemic Horton Post Office provided many additional services, particularly for those most in need. These included paper and prescription deliveries, individual shopping baskets and take away meals.

Villagers wanted to recognise the importance of their village post office, described by many as "the heart of the village".

Glyn Ottery, who helped organise the presentation, added: "The Post Office has been often called the heart of the community and it is so important in a small village to have someone like Nina who is always willing to go the extra mile.

“She really co-ordinated and organised helping those who were shielding, particularly with the village hall closed.

“It just shows the value of a village community. So many people have pulled together and Nina has been a shining light doing just that, as well as team of volunteers.”