DOZENS of people backed the Lancashire Telegraph's Save Our Post Office campaign by signing our on-line petition within hours of its launch.

The move came as communities across East Lancashire vocalised their objection to the planned closure of 24 post offices.

The online petition was launched on Thursday and was signed by more than 50 people within hours.

Twenty people also registered their support by writing letters to the Telegraph offices.

And in Hapton, residents have backed the campaign by collecting signatures against the Government plans - aimed at stemming losses of £4million-a-week on the network, which it supplements by £150 million a year.

The residents are upset that the Church Street branch is one earmarked for closure, and they have the backing of local MP Kitty Ussher, who has promised to present protest petitions to Post Office bosses.

Campaigner Jean Cunningham was out collecting signatures with the MP outside Hapton Primary School earlier this week.

She said: "The post office is vital to residents in Hapton. I believe that we must do all we can to save this crucial service." The MP added: "I have been in talks with Post Office bosses and I will be putting our case to them. I also believe that the post office is vitally important to residents in Hapton, and so I will be doing whatever I can to save it.

"People can help me by filling in one of my surveys and also by signing my petition, to help me prove just how important our branch is.

"All residents of Hapton should received a survey, but if you need one, or would like a copy of the petition, you can contact my office on 01282 450840.

"Copies can be found in local shops, take-aways and churches. I am also keen to hear the views in other areas where post offices are scheduled for closure."

Protesters have launched a campaign, backed by Dall Street Residents' Association and councillors, to save the Parliament Street post office in Burnley Wood. The remaining Burnley district branches earmarked for closure are Higham, Piccadilly Road, Walk Mill in Cliviger and Cheapside on Padiham Road.

Residents are also collecting petitions against the closure of branches in Lee Mill, at Bacup, and Longshoot, in Haslingden.

Tories and Lib Dems in Pendle are also battling to safeguard post offices at Barkerhouse Road and Hill Place in Nelson, Carr Hall at Barrowford, Foulridge, and Gisburn Road in Barnoldswick.