Six post offices will close in the South Hams, it has been confirmed.

Post Office Limited proposes to close the post offices at Avonwick, Ermington, Totnes High Street, Kellaton, Dartmouth Townstal and West Charleton with effect from the end of August.

South Hams District Council says it put forward a strong case to retain the post office in the Townstal area of Dartmouth.

This has led to the possibility that the service could be re-introduced if a suitable location can be found.

The council says it will continue to argue that a post office is necessary for the residents of Townstal as can be justified by the weight of evidence gathered to support the case for keeping the service.

Three further post office outlets in the district have been identified for closure and replacement by outreach services; these are at Blackawton, Dittisham and Rattery.

The type of replacement service has not been finally decided. Until a decision is made, these three post offices will continue to operate.

Cllr Bill Hitchins, deputy leader of the council and executive portfolio holder for the economy, said: "The council has consistently argued that these closures will seriously undermine our local communities.

"This is why we have vigorously opposed closures in principle. There remains the prospect of retaining a post office service in Townstal and the council will continue to push for this, given the evidence.

"We will also do everything we can to ensure that the three outreach proposals represent an adequate replacement for the service currently received by the Blackawton, Dittisham, and Rattery communities."

In early May, Post Office Limited published a list of 83 Devon branches identified for closure or outreach services.

The Post Office said it needs to shut branches because they cost too much to keep open.