MORE services and longer hours are now available at a new-look post office in Greenock.

The Cathcart Street office will also be open seven days a week after it reopened following a big revamp.

The opening ceremony was performed by Inverclyde MP Iain McKenzie, who says the refubishment and longer hours will make a real difference for local residents.

Mr McKenzie said: "Sub-postmaster Satish Patel is to be congratulated on his work to develop the new branch and I wish him continued success with his business."

As part of Post Office plans to modernise the network, the branch has been fully modernised and will provide an extra 24.5 hours a week of service.

Mr Patel said: "I'm delighted with the modernisation and I'm sure our customers will be happy with the improvements when they see them. I'd like to thank them for their patience during the refurbishment.

"The big change is that, as well as one traditional screened counter and two that are open plan. We can also sell Post Office products at the retail till, which can really speed up service."

Post Office Regional Network Manager for Scotland and North England, Sue Richardson, said the modernisation is part of a three-year investment programme, the largest in the history of the Post Office.

She said: "Around 6,000 branches - about half the Post Office network - will be converted to new-style branches. The investment marks a commitment to no more branch closure programmes."

The Cathcart Street office's new opening hours are 6am to 7pm Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 6am to 7.30pm on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and 9am to 4pm on Sunday.