A pub could come to the rescue of villagers who have just lost their village shop and post office.

Talks are being held with Morrells of Oxford to diversify the business of The Crown public house at Finstock.

In the short term it is hoped to set up a satellite service from the main post office at neighbouring Charlbury. In the longer term the brewery is discussing the option of converting an outhouse into a village shop.

Helen Datson, village shops fieldworker for Oxfordshire Rural Community Council, who is involved in the initiative, said it could be a pilot project for other villages struggling to maintain local services.