A POPULAR Redditch sub-postmaster is retiring after faithfully serving the community for half a century.

Richard Pinder has been working at Greenlands Post Office for 50 years.

Today is his last day.

His family took over the running of the post office in 1947.

Mr Pinder took over at a time when calculators had just been invented and computers were something from sci-fi films and which only a small elite had access to.

"It's definitely different from how it was when I started," he said.

"I've seen a lot of changes over the years but the introduction of computers was undoubtedly the biggest. They have made the job much easier."

The 68-year-old, who was born in Birchfield Road, added: "It's been an enjoyable 50 years but I think now is the time to stop.

"I will miss the customers the most, the interaction I had with them. When I told some I was retiring they actually shed a tear so it must have meant I was doing something right over the years.

"I will also miss all the wonderful staff as well."

He now plans to do more travelling and spend more time with his family.