ON Christmas Eve one of Bere Alston's paper 'girls' retired from her regular round at the ripe old age of 82.
Mary Cheney was a familiar sight for more than 40 years as she pedalled her bicycle around the village delivering the morning papers for the general grocers and newsagents Cinzies in Station Road.
Her retirement ends a unique working relationship with friend Cinzia Desonlia Sleep, another octogenarian, after whom the shop was named. Mrs Sleep has worked there since the age of 14.
'After being involved in the family business for over 70 years and having reached the age of 88 years, this decision is a sad one, but both myself and my delivery assistant feel it is the right decision to make,' said Mrs Sleep.
The occasion was marked with the presentation of a crystal glass bowl to Mrs Cheney from the Sleep family.
Mrs Cheney, of Pilgrim Drive, is also well-known for her fundraising and has raised thousands of pounds for charity.