The sub-post office is often the last business left in poor areas after other shops close.

ECONOMIST: Squeezing the banks

From its early days, the Post Office employed women often as sub-postmistresses, running post offices as part of their business, or as postwomen, particularly in rural areas when men were not available.

BBC: Archive reveals women's vital role in the Post Office

The National Federation of Sub-Postmasters said that the decision was vital for the future of the post office network.

BBC: Tax disc

"This contract means the public and businesses will continue to have convenient, local access to essential services while sub-postmasters will retain income to allow them to continue to provide a Post Office service to their communities, " said the federation's general secretary, George Thomson.

BBC: Tax disc

Crown offices are Post Office branches directly managed by the company - as opposed to locally-run by sub-post offices - mainly based in major High Streets.

BBC: Post Office staff go on strike at Crown offices