A DEDICATED postman with a passion for meeting people has notched up almost half a century of loyal service.

Bromyard postman Vin Booth is bidding a fond farewell to the Royal Mail, where he first started work as a messenger boy delivering telegrams in January, 1955.

From those early pedal-power days he has since been involved in nearly every aspect of collection and delivery for the service.

He has worked on rural routes throughout Herefordshire, driven HGVs, worked in London to help offset staff shortages and has recently being training new staff in the task of sorting mail.

The 65-year-old is instantly recognised throughout Bromyard, where he has served the community on and off for a staggering 35 years.

He was showered with cards and gifts from village well-wishers on retiring from his round at the end of November, and he is leaving the Hereford delivery office later this month.

"I've enjoyed my time with the Post Office immensely. It's been an extremely happy job and the most important thing to me has been meeting the people," said Vin.

"On the day I retired I had tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat. Everyone was so nice to me."

"I was inundated with whisky, wine and chocolate. It was a really lovely tribute."

Despite Vin's retirement, the Booth name will continue within the Royal Mail, with the family's connections now notching up a combined service of 93 years

His wife, Philomena, has sorted mail part-time since 1987 and his sons - Gary, aged 33, who joined in 1986, and David, 32, who started in 1991 - are both postmen.

Mr Booth, who lives in Hereford, said he would miss the job, but was planing to stay in touch with friends and colleagues.

Delivery office manager, Paul Davis, said he had appreciated Vin's efforts during the past 48 years.

"He has been a loyal and dedicated employee and an excellent representative of Royal Mail," he said.