I AM replying to the letter by Tenth In The Queue (Dear Star, April 13) not as a sub-postmaster, but as a post office clerk.

I do not know which post office you frequent, but where I work, my colleagues and I are always polite, courteous and willing to help you, the customer, to get the best service to suit your needs.

Please do not tar us all with the same brush. We will greet you with a warm and friendly welcome, whether you are just buying a first-class stamp, sending a bulky parcel or drawing your benefit.

In response to your comment of the post office being "a social centre for pensioners and the like", my fellow workers and I may be the only people they see or talk to.

If they fail to collect the benefit, we worry because they may live alone, have illnesses, but most of all, these people have routines. We take note when Mr Smith or Mrs Jones doesn't turn up. We worry, we care.

Which other branch of commerce, in this day and age, would worry? We do -- your average, caring post office clerk.

Also, our post office is open from 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 12.30pm Saturdays and we do not close for lunch.

Christine Bate, Vincent Street Post Office, Corporation Street.