POSTMAN Ian Harwood, based at the post office in High Street, Wellington, is looking forward to some lie-ins after retiring at the weekend.

Ian, 62, started work in Taunton after leaving Court Fields School in Wellington at the age of 16. In those days he could ride 120 miles a day on his bike delivering telegrams.

He has been based in Wellington for 35 years, the largest amount of that time delivering in Holcombe Rogus.

Ian, who lives with his wife, Mary, in Brooks Place, is looking forward to doing more fishing in retirement – he is a lifelong member of Wellington Angling Club – and walking his ‘Sprocker Spaniel’ dog.

His retirement party on Saturday night was beginning at the Iron Duke in Wellington before moving on to a surprise venue.

He said another retirement event would be held with villagers in Holcombe Rogus probably next month.

Ian added: “The more I think about retirement the more I like the idea. I wake up at 5.30am for work and the first thing on the agenda is to sell the alarm clock!”