A Shropshire postmaster who relocated from Germany has received a 30 years Post Office Long Service award.

When German-born Klaus Steffes, who runs Bucknell Post Office, met his English girlfriend Karen (now his wife) she wanted to return to her home country.

Klaus, who lived in a rural area on the outskirts of Bonn, agreed to move to England, but he had certain criteria to be met.

Although Karen was originally from Willenhall, Klaus didn’t want to live in a town or city as he loves the countryside. He also wanted somewhere to be able to enjoy the four seasons.

The couple needed a home and Klaus was looking for a business opportunity.

Bucknell Post Office and a gorgeous, rare, crook frame house, built in 1486, ticked all the boxes.

“I can look out of my windows and see the rolling hills," said Klaus. "I can currently see the leaves changing colour and there are four distinct seasons, so I am very happy.

“This is a very close-knit community and many people are related, or they’ve lived here a long time. People have made us very welcome, and I have been best man to two people from Bucknell and I have three godsons here.

“Bucknell Post Office provides a lifeline to many rural communities. This is the only place within a six-mile radius to withdraw cash as there are no longer any banks in the area.

“On a Wednesday the pensioners enjoy coffee morning at the church and they all come here to take out pension money to last the week. This is a sociable place to be.

“I stayed open throughout the pandemic and people were grateful that they could stay local for vital Post Office services including withdrawing cash, paying bills, sending letters and parcels and home shopping returns.”

Klaus's Long Service award was presented to him by Post Office Area Manager, Jennifer Pougunas: "I want to sincerely thank Klaus for being the postmaster for Bucknell for 30 years. His Post Office is essential for this village and the surrounding communities. He’s well liked in the village and he really cares about his customers.”