Seaton Post Office has parted ways with the WHSmith Local franchise and rebranded itself.

The post office on Harbour Road was run as part of a WHSmith Local for the past six years, managed by local councillor Marcus Hartnell.

The shop has now rebranded as Harbour News & Seaton Post Office, but has assured customers it will continue to sell the same products and post office services remain unaffected.

Announcing the change on social media, the owners said that WHSmith was ending its franchising with independent shops and all 100-plus WHSmith Local stories would close or rebrand by next June.

The statement continued: "The good news is that we shall continue to sell all the same products as before but with new suppliers, and of course the post office is unaffected.

"As Christmas is fast approaching, we'll have lots of new stock including diaries, calendars, gift books, Christmas cards and wrap, and plenty of bubble wrap and parcel tape ready for packing your parcels.

"Leaflets have just arrived with details of the recommended last posting dates for Christmas, so pick one up when you're next in store.

"Thanks for your ongoing custom and support."

The shop is currently open Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 5pm and Saturdays 7.30am to 4pm, and it now has a new website at www.seatonpostoffice.com