A POST office owner who has served the Risinghurst community for 25 years is being recognised by the Indian and British Governments for his work.

Mahesh Gandhi, 53, who has owned Risinghurst Post Office for the past quarter of a century, has been invited to the Houses of Parliament to receive the Bharat Gaurav lifetime achievement award on July 25.

The award is for people from all over the world who have achieved a landmark in their profession and made India proud.

Mr Gandhi has also received a Certificate of Honour from the Lord Mayor of Oxford last month and said his post office is “more than a business” to him.

The father-of-two added: “I feel very proud to be invited to receive this award.

“I really enjoy living and working in Risinghurst and the community have always welcomed me and my family since we moved here.

“I have done work to help people over the past 25 years, but I didn’t think this would happen. I’m very happy and appreciate it.”

Mr Gandhi moved to Britain 31 years ago with his wife Hema, 53.

After living in London, the family moved to Oxford where they settled with children Dillan, 27 and Jasmine, 19. Alongside running a business, Mr Gandhi is a member of Hindu Mandal Oxford – a society that aims to help Indian immigrants in Oxford and celebrateIndian culture.

He added: “I have to thank all my customers. Customer satisfaction is the biggest thing in my life. I always want to make sure no customer is left unhappy.

“I have worked in the community and tried to support charities over the years, I look after the finances of Hindu Mandal Oxford. I see people’s joy and happiness and that makes me happy.”

At the turn of the year Mr Gandhi spoke of how his life flashed before his eyes when an armed robber held a weapon to his head.

He was forced to hand over more than £300 when a masked man burst through the shop doors in December 2014.

But he and his wife continued to serve the community and hope to be a part for the community for another 25 years.

Councillor for Risinghurst Dee Sinclair added: “I have known Mr Gandhi for some years.

“He fully deserves the award as he has kept the local post office and shop going, sometimes in the face of considerable challenges.”