AFTER 17 years Egremont's Brian Skirrow is to step down from running the post office - and will run the London marathon instead!

Brian, 51, is leaving to spend more time with his grandchildren - Rachael, Jessica, Sarah, Daniel and Abigail - and will run his first marathon in April to raise money for the NSPCC.

He said: "It's just a good time to wind down a little bit and spend more time with the family.

"I've got three kids and five grandchildren so the NSPCC seemed the logical choice."

But Brian - who hasn't run for 30 years - knows he has got a lot to do.

"When I'm out running it's really hard, it's not easy when you start from scratch and you haven't done anything but walk to the car for years. I've got up to seven miles now."

McColls is planning to knock through from its shop next door, taking over the post office and modernising the building.

Brian said: "McColls are knocking it through into one big convenience store and they'll still do the post office.

"If you can find someone to take over then it secures the future of the post office in Egremont."

He added: "I'll miss all the customers and the staff. I'm really grateful to the customers for all their support over the years and the staff, Mandy, Lynne and Kath, who have been great. McColls are keeping them on so they won't lose their jobs."

However Brian will still be in Egremont as he continues to run his second business, Egremont Bureau de Change, from a new property next to Greggs on Main Street.

Brian hopes to raise £3,000 for his chosen charity and if you wish to donate you can do so online at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/BrianSkirrow or by going into the post office.