POPULAR postman John Liney has retired after 24 years' sorting and delivering mail.
He joined the service in 1987, three years after moving to North Devon from London.
MISS YOU: Retiring postman John Liney was presented with a poem written by Edna Childs on behalf of all his post round residents. Picture: Mike Southon. To order this photograph call 0844 4060 269 and quote Ref: BNMS20111118E-006_C
His patch was Braunton where, for the last 20 years, he has covered a central route including Caen Street, Exeter Road and Field Close.
One of his biggest fans is Edna Childs, 80, of Field Close who described him as helpful, kind and jolly.
She said: "If you have moved, he knows where you have moved to. I used to live at Score Farm Caravan Park at one time and even four years after I had moved, if he got any post from there he would bring it."
She said the residents on his round would miss him. She even wrote a poem for him on a big card, saying how sorry they were to see him go.
Having covered one route for so long, he said his customers had got to know him and trusted him. Sometimes there would be wrong numbers on letters but John would still be able to deliver them safely because he knew where the addressee lived.
His early morning shift used to begin at 4am until it was moved to 5am and then to 7am.
He said he would miss the people in Braunton and his work colleagues.
But although he has retired it doesn't look like he will be enjoying any long lie-ins.
He said: "I don't mind getting up early. You just get used to it. It's a way of life."
John is married to Marian and they live in Yarnscombe. They have two children, Philip and Michelle.