Don and Edna Webb receive their certificate from Andrew Thompson, head of area for the Post Office in the south east.A COUPLE who have dedicated 40 years of their lives to running Winterslow post office have been presented with a special certificate.

Edna and Don Webb now have two long-service certificates hanging behind the post office counter, in Middleton Road, after reaching the 40-year milestone last week.

They were also given a digital camera, and Andrew Thompson, head of area for the Post Office in the south-east, presented Mr Webb with a limited edition tiepin.

Mr Thompson said: "Forty years is a marvellous achievement and fairly unique.

"They have provided the community with wonderful service all these years."

Mr and Mrs Webb started working at Winterslow post office shortly after their children were born.

They used to run the business and adjoining stores jointly but, 16 years ago, Mr Webb (68) suffered a massive stroke and was left paralysed from the chest down.

The post office has also been raided twice in the past few years - once when the couple had been asleep in their home above the branch.

"They smashed the lock to pieces while we there," said Mrs Webb (62).

"We woke up to hear all this horrendous noise. Eight of them had broken in, cut the phone lines and dragged the safe out - they got away with everything.

"Fortunately, our son had stayed overnight and he was able to drop out of a window and get some help."

She added: "We thought about giving up then, what with all the terrible mess, but life has to go on, and everyone was behind us."

Mr and Mrs Webb were going to be celebrating the special occasion with all their loyal customers the next day.

"We both really enjoy the company of all the folk here in Winterslow," said Mrs Webb.

"For that reason, we'll probably do a few more years yet."