POSTMAN Peter Dawson was delighted to receive a few envelopes himself when the customers of his Ribble Valley round gathered to wish him a happy retirement.

Peter, who lives in Blackburn, has been the regular "postie" on the Wilpshire and Salesbury stretch of Ribchester Road for the past 17 years.

Originally from the Cumbria area, Peter - who is approaching his 60th birthday - has spent 21 years in East Lancashire with the post office.

A keen fell runner and walker, Peter intends to spend some of his spare time walking the fells of the Lake District and also working in his garden.

Quite a crowd of villagers gathered at Salesbury Post Office to say farewell to Peter and present him with a cheque, good wishes cards and personal gifts.

Mrs Hannah Hickmott made the presentation. She said: "Peter has been absolutely marvellous and really helpful. We are going to miss him very much."

Peter added: "I've been overwhelmed by the generosity and thoughts of my customers and I am going to miss seeing them every day.

"I have only been doing my job but I have made a lot of friends. In a way, I will be sorry to retire."

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