POSTMAN Alan Plumb is looking forward to a lie-in after 40 years of early mornings with the Royal Mail.

Colleagues at Trowbridge Post Office celebrated 60-year-old Mr Plumb's four decades of First Class service after his last round on Tuesday.

The last 14 years of his career have been spent working in Trowbridge but Mr Plumb has also worked at branches in Sussex and Horsham.

Cold weather, close encounters of the canine kind and the rapid increase in junk mail are among his memories.

Mr Plumb, of Everleigh Close, said he is looking forward to retirement but will miss the work banter and customers.

"I will let other people have the early starts from now on. I think I will feel it when I hand over the uniform," he said.

"One of the things you notice is the increase in junk mail it is horrendous nowadays.

"Luckily I have only been bitten twice by dogs but not in Trowbridge.

"The job is good if you like the outdoor life."

Mr Plumb plans to spend more of his time walking and cycling.

"I have not got any big plans at the moment. I might move towards the Honiton area if I find somewhere, but I do like it here," he said.