The Post Office is advertising for people interested in offering its services in West Kilbride after the closure of the last remaining facility in the village.

The post office previously located at the Spar shop on Orchard Street closed for the last time on Friday, May 10.

West Kilbride residents now face a journey to Gallowgate Street in Largs, Central Avenue in Ardrossan or Chapelwell Street in Saltcoats to use Post Office facilities.

The closure announcement, made in April, was branded a "hammer blow" to the community by local councillor Todd Ferguson.

It came little more than six months since Scottish wholesaler CJ Lang stated that rural post offices in its Spar stores were no longer at risk of closure, although "other branches could still be considered under review".

The Post Office is now advertising for applications for a new franchise owner to reopen the business in West Kilbride.

The advert states: "Post Office Ltd is looking for a successful retailer to either purchase the current business or incorporate a Post Office Local into their existing or proposed business."

They are keen to replace the counter, advertising for "applicants to set up brand new Post Offices in this area".

The Post Office says the fee for running a facility in the village is between £17,000 and £19,000 per annum.

The closing date for applications is July 18, though the advert says that applications "may close early if sufficient interest is registered".

To view the advert in full, or to apply, visit: tinyurl.com/WK-Post-Office.