A FORMER teacher has fulfilled her lifelong dream after buying a post office in Rishton.

Saima Iqbal opened the doors at the High Street post office for the first time on Wednesday morning to the shock and surprise of locals, who were unaware of its impending sale.

The 35-year-old said: “There was a big queue asking why we were shut the day before.”

Saima, who lives in Preston and has taught in primary and secondary schools and in higher education, had originally looked at a post office in Blackburn.

She said: “I didn’t like it, but we looked at Rishton and straight away the area and its appeal made it feel like home. I felt a real connection.

“It was a family dream to own a post office and it became my dream.”

The small post office will now be renovated, Saima said, with more retail options being offered and a new fascia board being installed as part of the upgrades.

Jobs will also be created as the company expands, and to replace two outgoing members of staff, who retired following the takeover.

Saima’s younger brother, Mohammed, 30, will be in control of the retail side of the business, while she would become the post mistress, Saima said.

She said: “I want to thank the community, they have accepted me. They have been supportive and they are telling me what I need so I would like to thank them.

“I was not sure what would happen because the community did not know what was going on. It was only on Tuesday when we were shut that they knew something was going on.

“We have big plans but we are taking one step at a time.”

Saima also plans to move to the town once the renovation is complete.

Rishton councillor, Ken Moss, said: “The post office had been up for sale for some time. It’s marvellous that we are keeping the post office.”