A POPULAR village postman was given a special delivery of his own when he arrived in Bishopstone on his final round.

More than 60 residents gathered near the phone box in the village waiting for the arrival of their special guest, Mick Fowler, last Saturday morning.

Mick has been a postman in Bishopstone for 26 years and worked with Royal Mail for 35 years.

The news of his retirement touched the hearts of villagers who clubbed together to raise money to treat Mick and wife Chris to a short break in the Lake District. He was also given a cake and a cheque.

Resident Sandra Horton said: "It was a total surprise for Mick. I worked in secrecy with his wife who said Mick was absolutely drained when he got home."

She added: "Mick would do anything for people. For instance he would put people's plants in their greenhouses. He went well beyond the call of duty and will be sorely missed.

"When we went around the village for his collection there was not one person who did not have a good story to tell about Mick."

Mick was also given a special send-off the previous day at Garnons Estate where residents of Byford threw a surprise farewell party for their favourite postie.

Again, the residents had clubbed together and Lady Cotterell presented Mick with a bottle of bubbly, chocolates and a family ticket for a party at Garnons Estate next month.