The Mail has answered the prayers of people living in Hart, on the outskirts of Hartlepool, who were suffering a local news blackout after the Hart Post Office – which sold copies of the paper – closed in July.

The newspaper will now be delivered to St Mary Magdalene Church in the village after a plea from the Rev Janet Burbury and the Rev John Lund.

The post office, described as a lifeline for local residents, was lost along with the Raby Estate and Elwick Road branches after Post Office bosses were told they needed to close 2,500 branches and stop losses of £4million a week.

But, through the divine intervention of the Mail, village locals can now pick up their favourite read at the church.

Ms Burbury said: "The post office was the place to meet and I could see there were fewer people walking along the street. The place took on a different feel. I thought, 'this is sad'.

"We all know local news is important to people – and the Mail is an important part of that." Mr Lund said: "Ever since the post office closed people have had to travel further for the Mail. The nearest outlets are Tesco Express in Throston Grange or Sainsburys at Bishop Cuthbert.

"If you are a pensioner or have got the car in the garage or whatever, it is hard to get the paper.

"I think people could wander up to church and get their papers and even a cup of tea. The village post office was a place where you met people.

"It was part of the community and it was such a shame it was closed."

Mail editor Joy Yates said: "The loss of the three post offices throughout town was a blow to residents. The opening up of the church for people to get their newspapers is a great idea and for us to be able to help is just fantastic."

The Mail will be available from 11.30am-12.30pm at the church from Mondays to Saturdays.

Volunteers are needed to help sell the newspaper. To find out more contact Ms Burbury on 07958 131271.