Sub-postmistress Morgan Nahid broke down in tears as around 50 people marched to the branch, in Milldene Stores, which she has run with husband Ali for more than eight years.

The closure was ordered by Post Office Ltd despite overwhelming pressure to save the branch.

Protests were held and petitions signed during a six-week consultation, but to no avail.

The closure brought to an end postal services in North Lancing dating back 138 years.

Mourners laid a wreath at the door of North Lancing's sub-post office branch to mark its closure, on Monday.

The branch, in Mill Road, closed at 1pm as 50 members of the community marched in a funeral procession to its door.

Protesters had fought tirelessly to save the branch, backed by the Herald's Save Our Post Offices campaign and local MP Tim Loughton.

But Post Office Ltd refused to bow to the enormous public pressure and watchdog Postwatch's recommendation to save the branch after a six-week consultation.

Campaigner David Stevenson said: "History needs to record the fact that we are not very pleased about this. This place has been here for 138 years."

As mourners walked along The Street towards the branch, sub-postmistress Morgan Nahid wept and was comforted by husband Ali.

The couple have run Milldene Stores and the sub-post office branch for more than eight years.

After the wreath was laid, Mr Stevenson told the crowd: "We all tried extremely hard to stop this day coming.

"As a community we shall fight on to keep the community spirit, and to keep this establishment going. It can still be a focal point for this community."

He called for a round of applause for Mr and Mrs Nahid, and said people in the area owed them a debt of thanks.

Mr Stevenson said: "They have helped this community be together and to grow. Let's hope things carry on like that.

"Tim Loughton talked about the Post Office sticking two fingers up to our communites and I have a similar message for them."

Mr Nahid had previously expressed his concern for the future of the shop without the sub-post office branch. He said on Monday: "It is a very sad time for all of us.

"We appreciate all the support we got from our friends and neighbours."