UK's former oldest postmistress dies aged 97

Kay White ran the post office in Claverley, Shropshire, before retiring aged 93

Tributes have been paid to the former oldest postmistress in the UK, who has died at the age of 97.

Kay White, who died on Friday, worked at the Post Office in her home village of Claverley, Shropshire, from when she was 14 years old until she retired in December 2020 aged 93.

Ms White was also involved in community work, which included serving on the parish council, the Women's Institute (WI) and helping to organise the village's flower festival.

In 2010, she was recognised for her services to the community when she was awarded an MBE.

Ms White's niece Ann Madeley, who also worked at Claverley Post Office, told BBC Radio Shropshire she was a "mainstay of the village".

"All the family will miss her greatly," she added.

Ms White became the branch's postmistress in 1960

Ms Madeley said it was extraordinary her aunt worked for so long, adding they never had a "cross word" to say to each other and got on very well.

"She will be sorely missed because there's no Post Office now in the village," she said. "It's a shame because it was the heart of the village."

Ms White become the branch's postmistress in 1960 and held the position until her retirement in 2020, when the Post Office closed.

After stepping down, Ms White said: "I never thought I would live 'til now. I thought I shall die and the place will all be sold and I shouldn't have to deal with all this."

The Post Office building, which was owned by Ms White, was put up for sale last year with an asking price in the region of £450,000.