A WELL-respected couple are set to retire after nearly four decades of helping residents in the village post office.

Vasant and Jyoti Thakrar have received their long-service certificate from Kelvedon Parish Council after 36 years at the Bhavani Store and Post Office.

The couple, who ran the shop on Kelvedon High Street, are recognised throughout the community for the work they do and their commitment to the village.

In a letter from Witham MP Priti Patel, the couple were described as being the “backbone” of neighbourhood life.

Home Secretary Ms Patel said: “I write to congratulate you on your retirement after 36 years of running the Bhavani Store and Post Office in the Kelvedon High Street.

“I understand you provided great service during that long period and showed tremendous community spirit.

“I would like to thank you for all those years of service to the community.

“I know that your efforts were appreciated, not least because former customers have written to me to praise you and to draw my attention to your retirement.

“Stores such as yours are the backbone of neighbourhood life and play an important role in maintaining the cohesion of communities.

“I know this because my parents ran a similar sort of business many years ago and I often worked in their shop.

“May I take this opportunity to wish both of you a long and happy retirement.”

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The couple were awarded their long-service certificate by Kelvedon Parish Council chairwoman India Jayatillake in a ceremony outside the council offices.

Mrs Jayatillake said the couple have always gone “above and beyond” for the village’s residents.

The village returned the favour as they turned out in force to celebrate and thank the couple for their years in the shop with about 50 residents attending the ceremony.

Mrs Jayatillake added: “We are delighted to be able to honour the Thakrars with a community award.

“Vasant and Jyoti have been loved and respected members of the community for the last 36 years, always going above and beyond for Kelvedon’s residents.

“We wish them a happy and well-deserved retirement and thank them for their dedication over so many years.”