LEEK: Raiders escaped with £700 during a break-in at a take-away in Haywood Street.

The burglars also stole a safe and a gaming machine.

They struck between 1am and 4.30pm on Tuesday.

Police are appealing for witnesses.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Leek Police on 08453 302010 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

FOXT: Postmistress Ann Brindley has called time on a village shop following the closure of the post office.

She has run The Stores since 1966, but has now put it on the market.

She was presented with a bouquet of flowers by villagers as a retirement present.

She said: "It is very sad it has come to this."

Six post offices in the district are being shut as part of a controversial programme to close 2,500 branches nationwide.

LEEK: Residents are invited to speak to their local bobby at one of a series of street meetings next month.

Two surgeries will be held on September 17.

The first will take place at Market Place between 10am and 2pm followed by a session at Brough Park Leisure Centre from 2pm until 4pm.

A spokesman for Leek police said: "We would like as many residents as possible to join us at these surgeries to discuss any issues or concerns they may have.

"We will be able to offer crime prevention advice as well as leaflets enabling people to sign up to their local neighbourhood watch scheme.

"Visitors will also have the chance to meet their local policing team."

LEEK: An embroideries open week is taking place at All Saints' Church, Compton, until Saturday.

Church doors will open between 10am and 4pm.

For more information, contact Laura Abbott or Hazel Cook on 01538 383956.

IPSTONES: The long-awaited millennium arch has finally been erected.

The carved oak arch, engraved with the emblems of village organisations, was produced by villagers under the guidance of expert Anthony Hammond.

But over the years the project has met planning problems. Permission was finally granted for it to be built in High Street.