A VILLAGE has come together to say goodbye to its postman of 25 years following his decision to retire. 

Residents of North Littleton gathered at The Ivy on Friday (October 4) afternoon to send off their postman who had been delivering mail for the past 25 years. 

The pub was packed as over 50 people hid in the back room eagerly awaiting Darren Woehrle's arrival. 

As luck should have it, he had to pop into the pub to deliver a package of straws. 

Mr Woehrle, who lives in the village, said: "I'm in shock, I can't believe it. 

"I was just going about my last day as normal and here we are, I had no idea this was going to happen. 

"Everyone's wishing me a very very happy retirement 

"It was a hard decision to make but after 25 years I've had enough of the wind and rain and I think it's the right time.

"The fact that everyone's here means so much and I would just like to thank everyone for coming."

Although still living in the village, many residents said that it would not be the same without him, hoping his replacement Adam would be as good.

Alma Wheeler who had known Darren since he was born, said: "I decided to come down today because it's his leaving day.  

"He is still the same 25 years on, happy and cheerful. 

"Darren means a lot to the village and he will definitely be missed. 

"I shan't miss the bills though."

Whilst Mr Woehrle couldn't imagine how many parcels he had delivered in 25 years, he said it must be inn the tens of thousands. 

Annie Vaughan a resident of North Littleton said: "We feel happy that he has decided to retire. 

"He lives up the village so we will all still see him. 

"He has kept it quiet and he thinks nobody knows so I think he will be quite surprised. 

"If you were away on holiday he would hold your mail until you were back, he would never just leave it in the rubbish bin. 

"I just hope the next one is as good as him."