A POSTMAN who decided to hang up his postbag was given a surprise send-off last night by dozens of customers.

Ray Spraule, of Heys Lane, Blackburn, had delivered post to houses in Pleasington for 12 years.

So when he announced he was calling it a day, 70 villagers turned out to say thank you and goodbye.

John and Kath Connolley, who run the Butlers Arms, Pleasington, organised the surprise party.

Mr Connolley said: "He has been delivering our post since we arrived six years ago. He is well liked within the village and when I suggested that it was a shame for him to go without saying goodbye, everyone agreed.

"He is not just a postman, he is everyone's friend."

Mr Spraule was presented with a meal voucher as well as cards and presents, and his wife, Jackie, was handed a bouquet of flowers.

He said: "It was a complete surprise to me and my wife but a nice surprise.

"We thought we were going out for a quiet meal and when I walked in it was like This Is Your Life. I half expected the red book to come out."

Ray took voluntary redundancy after being a postman for 35 years. He finished on Saturday

He now intends to spend more time with his family and helping his son-in-law with his painting and decorating business.