POSTMAN Doug Williams got a surprise delivery of his own to mark his retirement.

He drove into the village of Llanddewi Rhydderch last Friday - the day before his retirement - and was greeted by more than 20 residents. They presented him with a special book signed by over 50 people, and more than £500 in cash, as well as other gifts.

Doug, 65, of Gobannium Way, Abergavenny, said: "I was flabbergasted when I saw all those people waiting for me, but they are the nicest people you could wish to meet."

Llanddewi Rhydderch resident Nick Judd, one of the organisers of the surprise, said: " Doug has been far more than our local postman, he's been a friend to everyone. We are keeping the book open for people to sign and they can still make a donation if they wish." The book is now with Tina Burrows, at Agincourt House, Llanddewi Rhydderch.

The local vicar, the Rev Michael Sadler, has lived in the village for 18 years, he said, "He's been a brilliant postman, but, more than that, he looked out for people and checked on them even if he did not have a delivery for them."

Doug has been a postman in the Abergavenny area for 35 years. He said: " In the beginning, I work-ed in a group of five. We covered each district every five weeks.

"Then they brought in one man, one job and I was assigned to cover Llanddewi Rhyd-derch, as well as Pandy, Forest Coalpit and Gov-ilon, which I have been doing for over 20 years."

He said he had been overwhelmed by the number of gifts he's received, and to date he has had 74 cards.

He added: "On my last day, I started my round in Springwells, Ross Road, and they had put out a banner, and gave me presents.

"They are all fantastic people, and I'll go and see them regularly because I'll miss them. You couldn't meet nicer people."

Doug and his wife Margaret enjoyed dinner in the Greyhound, in Abergavenny, on Satur-day night with close colleagues, and also a birthday party on Sunday.

The couple, who have two children, celebrate their ruby wedding anniversary in April.