PHIL and Wendy Starkey have run their sub-post office in Tang Hall, York, for less than a year - but a great week has seen them named our WYLAP retailer of the week.

Ten months after taking over the post office, thanks to their own ingenuity and drive, the couple have won our weekly award after a great week selling the Evening Press.

Introducing newspaper deliveries at the sub-post office was just one of the changes they have made which has made them so popular.

Wendy said: "I used to come to this post office on the way home from school when I was a girl, and it had hardly changed since then.

"Then we came in and made our changes. Some people, as ever, resisted our little revolution, but most, I know, are very happy with the new store."

Among their innovations, Phil and Wendy, a former financial administrator, introduced a greater range of goods, turning the post office into a corner shop, selling "emergency" goods like milk and bread.

The venture is a joint effort between the couple, with Phil being given the bottle of bubbly as Wendy does not drink.

She said: "You've picked a right one here, as I don't drink, but it is still very nice to win the award."

Phil said: "It is really good to know that the Press is saying thank you for all the hard work we put in. It is nice to know we are appreciated."

The couple are now well settled into their new business.

Phil said: "We know all the regulars' names now, more or less, but WYLAP has definitely attracted some more passing trade.

"We put lots of the posters up, and I think it has brought more people into the shop, so we will watch with interest in the future, and definitely run these competitions again."

Updated: 08:44 Saturday, March 22, 2003