Awards for first class posties

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A trio of Royal Mail postmen are each due a special delivery for first class service to their respective communities.

The threesome add up to an unbeatable package after being singled out as a hero, an outstanding fundraiser and a community champion.

The Royal Mail colleagues from Wales are all winners after being nominated for their individual talents in their communities.

Postman Gwyn Owen, postwoman Pauline Eastment and postman Gareth Roberts are the three Welsh winners in Royal Mail’s First Class Awards 2009.

The annual award goes to the postmen and women who go the extra mile in the communities where they live and work.

Hero postman Gwyn owen, 64, from Llangefni, Anglesey, is a winner for having rescued an elderly customer from a house fire.

He led a confused Madge Davies to safety before the arrival of firefighters after hearing the home’s fire alarm wailing as he passed.

“I am thrilled to have been chosen as the Welsh Hero – I only did what anyone else would have done,” he said.

Fundraising postwoman Pauline, 52, from St Athan, Barry, has raised more than £23,000 for cancer charities over 10 years.

Her fund raising activities include walking the Great Wall of China, tandem sky diving and a trek to Everest basecamp.

“I can’t believe it. It is a great honour. I have to thank all the people who regularly sponsor me on my fundraising adventures,” she said.

Community postman Gareth Roberts, 29, from Shotton, Deeside, North Wales, runs a youth club, is a basketball coach and a football referee.

He was recently voted Welsh Football Leader of the Year for his work with a local football team, Aston Park Rangers.

“It is fantastic news. I am really proud to have been chosen,” he said.

Customers across Wales nominate award winners for incidents of bravery and community and fundraising spirit “above and beyond the call of duty”.

The three winners will each receive a £500 cheque and Award certificate, presented at the national First Class Awards ceremony in London on Monday, March 30.

They will also be eligible for the national Hero, Fundraiser and Community champion and the overall UK Postman/Postwoman of the Year, to be announced at the ceremony.

Huw Roberts, Director of Welsh Affairs, Royal Mail Group, said: “We are proud to have people like Gareth, Pauline and Gwyn working for us.

“They are the unsung heroes who are involved in the community, raising money for charity or running local football clubs or scout and guide groups.

“They are the people who customers and Royal Mail feel deserve some extra recognition and appreciation for their efforts.”