MP Nick Ainger has congratulated Whitland Post Office on its successful application to the new Welsh Assembly Government Post Office Diversification Fund.

The Post Office is one of the first to be awarded part of a new £4.5m fund to help sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses diversify and improve their business.

The fund, which will run for three years and is open to every sub post office in Wales, aims to help with business and marketing advice, advertising, training and some set-up costs for new services.

Funding can also be applied for improvements such as creating better access to buildings, upgrading computer equipment, improving security or providing better signs for the outside of premises.

Under the scheme, 63 post offices throughout Wales have been awarded grants worth over £1.1million.

Nick Ainger MP said "I am delighted that the Post Office in Whitland is to benefit from this fund. Post Offices are at the heart of the community and are often a lifeline for vulnerable people.

"This money will help keep Post Offices in those communities by ensuring that sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses have viable businesses. I would encourage anyone running a Post Office to consider applying to the fund. My office can provide details of the next round which will be available later this year."