Campaigners are fighting to save a post office which could close when its premises are taken over by a supermarket giant.

There are growing fears the Manor Park Estate branch in Uckfield will be closed when Tesco moves into the One Stop convenience store where the office is currently based.

Staff at the branch have launched a petition and Post Office Ltd is in talks with Tesco to save it from closure.

Residents fear that, following the loss of the sub-post office in Framfield Road, another closure will leave Uckfield with only one remaining branch, in High Street.

Tesco plans to open its store in October. It will take over both the One Stop shop and Dhobi World launderette, which will move two doors down.

Tim Clark, 55, of Browns Path, Uckfield, said: "This would have a massive impact on older people and mothers with children. Since I've retired, the post office has become like a social centre for me."

Wealden MP Charles Hendry is concerned and has written to the chairman of Royal Mail and the chief executive of Tesco for clarification of the future status of the post office.

A spokeswoman for the Post Office said: "We are actively seeking out alternative premises in the area and it's our intention to avoid any break in service for customers. It's not a question of permanent closure."