SHERSTON Post Office Stores will supporting National Countryside Week on behalf of the Prince of Wales Countryside Fund next week.

They will be hosting stalls and games outside the shop on Saturday, July 18, to get in gear for the main week of fundraising starting on Sunday.

Local produce will be celebrated during the week, with free giveaways of local milk, special deals on fruit, and cut prices on free range meat produced by Woodchester Meat Company.

Established in 2010 by HRH The Prince of Wales, The Prince’s Countryside Fund raises desperately needs money to provide grants to organisations that support the long term viability of Britain’s rural areas and family farms.

Owner of Sherston Post Office, Paul Mather, said “We are proud to support an organisation that cares about rural areas and is fully focused on making a real difference to the Countryside.

"The Trust was vital to the Old School project getting off the ground and we are delighted to have the opportunity of putting something back and to allow further communities to benefit in the future.

"We will kick start our efforts on the Saturday by holding a number of fun stalls outside the shop.

"We will supplement this during the week by holding a raffle for a prize hamper of local goods, donating 10% of sales from selected local products and other fun activities."

Claire Saunders, Director of The Prince’s Countryside Fund, said: “National Countryside Week this year will celebrate our achievements in our first five years but also showcase why the Fund is so vitally needed.

"We all benefit from the beauty and economic outputs of the countryside but may not consider what it takes to sustain.

"If you enjoy living in or visiting rural areas, we are asking you to do your bit to secure them for future generations."

To find out more about National Countryside Week and the 5th Anniversary Appeal visit princescountrysidefund.org.uk.