A TOUGH act to follow — that was the verdict at a surprise presentation held at Mary Tavy Post Office last week, organised to commemorate the retirement of village postman Paul Chaney.
Paul has been delivering letters in the area for 26 years — with the last 14 spent solely on the Mary Tavy round.
The surprise cheque presentation was organised by post office owners Terry and Ann Dredge and attended by as many villagers as could squeeze into the shop.
'Nothing is too much trouble for Paul, it's not just doing the job, he's always got a smile on his face and never has a bad word for anyone — he's certainly going to be a tough act to follow' said Terry.
Mary Tavy resident Geoff Haigh, one of Paul's many customers packed into the post office to toast him on his retirement. He said: 'He will be very difficult to replace. He's a very caring man — he knows everybody and keeps an eye on everybody, which is great.'
His wife Penny said: 'He's a wonderful man — one of the old school really.'
Resident Phyllis Franklyn said: 'He's delicious — he's really a good friend to everyone.'
Paul's wife Kath said they have been overwhelmed by the cards and good wishes sent by people in the community.
'They've had some wonderful messages inside, things like "To the best postie ever" — it's quite touching
really,' she said.
Paul was presented with a cheque made up by contributions from Mary Tavy residents, plus some bottles of wine and whiskey to enjoy.
He said he will miss the people of Mary Tavy the most after his retirement, plus the camaraderie of his workmates — but not the 3.30am alarm call or the wet and windy mornings!
Paul's top hobby is his aviary in which he keeps canaries — and he and Kath are thinking about a trip to Australia in the future.
'I think there'll be plenty for me to do,' he said.