Dear John, you have a first-class delivery

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IT was always going to be a long shot when John Mather posted a Christmas card to his pal with no address – but remarkably it arrived three days later!

Thirteen years ago Mr Mather made friends with Alan and Rita Winter on a coach trip to Bourton-on-the-Water in Gloucestershire.

The 75–year–old from Hebburn continued to stay in contact with the couple, but just before Christmas he misplaced their address.

Determined to make sure he sent his festive wishes, the retired welder posted a card simply labelled 'Allen and Ruth Winter, c/o General Post Office Darlington', and a stamp.

And to his amazement, it was delivered to the right address just three days later.

Mr Mather said: "I couldn't believe it when Alan rang three days later to say he'd received the card and to express his thanks.

"I had sent it off for a bit of a challenge, and I must admit I was a little amused because obviously it was winter time, that's Alan's surname and there was lots of snow around.

"I couldn't for the life of me find their address, I am very forgetful.

"I just remembered they got on the coach at Darlington, so I hoped for the best. But both Alan and I were over the moon when the card turned up."

The father-of–three is now singing the praises of the Royal Mail's staff and thinks they deserve recognition for their efforts



He said: "I would like to redress the balance. They often get criticised for late deliveries or parcels and letters not showing up, but they did a superb job.

"Considering they had nothing to go on except an initial and a surname, they did very well indeed, and I would like to congratulate them."

Mr Mather is now keeping Mr Winter's address safe, so he won't have to resort to such unusual methods this year.

He said: "When Alan sent me a card it had a little sticker on the back with all his details on, so I'll make sure I don't misplace that and I'll keep it safe!"

A Royal Mail spokesman said: "Our staff always go the extra mile to try to deliver our customers' mail and we are delighted that this letter arrived safely.

"However, we would ask our customers to help our postmen and women by always using the full address, including postcode."