Customers at Malvern Link Post Office have said goodbye to a couple who ran the business for more than 30 years.

Martin and Valerie Bumphrey were showered with gifts, including flowers and chocolates, when they retired last Friday.

The couple took over the business in 1974 from Martin's father, who also ran the Post Offices in Barnards Green and Upper Howsell Road.

"I can think of at least 200 customers that I would like to thank," said Mr Bumphrey.

"A lot of them have known me since I was a child and I would thank them all for their loyalty."

Mr Bumphrey also paid tribute to his staff, many of whom have worked at the Post Office for more than a decade.

"My sincere thanks go to all the staff who have given us their support and loyalty over the years," he said.

The couple's eldest son, Matthew, runs the Post Office in St John's, Worcester, and Mrs Bumphrey said she would be helping there three days a week.

"I shall be taking a bit of a step back," she said. "Everybody has been so kind to us, it's very emotional."

Gerry and Anne Deegan, former owners of the Express Inn, took over the running of the Post Office on Saturday.

"We know the business very well and it was a great opportunity to take it on," said Mr Deegan.

Mrs Bumphrey said: "We hope customers give as much support to Gerry and Anne as they have done to us."