Hopes for a swift handover of Cholsey Post Office to a new owner have hit a snag.

Sub-postmaster Eddie Kinch intended to retire and pass the business on to Paul Hobbs today (Thursday), but the plans have been hit by delays.

Mr Hobbs, a former employee of the Morland brewery who is in the process of selling his home in Langford, near Faringdon, said: "Unfortunately the move has been delayed, but I'm confident it is going to happen."

Mr Kinch said the Post Office had told him that the transfer would now be put on ice until July 11.

He added: "I am willing to stay until then. I just don't want it all to collapse."