Villagers have launched a campaign to save their long-standing postman from being redeployed elsewhere.

Rick Kehoe has been delivering post in Northiam, near Rye, for more than 20 years.

His customers say Royal Mail plans to replace him with three different people covering his patch.

Resident Georgina Rhodes, who set up a petition, said: “He isn't just a postman to us - he is a dear friend, a pillar of our community, and he knows every single household personally. We would all be absolutely devastated to lose his kind, friendly, and helpful face every morning.”

Sarah Walker added: “He has shown me enormous sensitivity on those difficult days.”

Rick said: “I am absolutely devastated that I am being moved to another duty. I’ve been covering Northiam for the past 21 years and thought I would retire from Northiam.

“I have been part of so many things in my customers’ lives over the years, some beautiful times: births, weddings, new homes, new pets, children starting school and leaving school moving on to adulthood and of course the sad times - the heartache we all go through at some point in our life.

“And it goes both ways; when I lost my granddaughter the village was my comfort blanket. It’s a pressure release while you’re at work knowing my customers have my best interest at heart. When you have so many people looking out for you it’s beautiful. It’s not just a job, it’s my life.”

A petition, which has more than 500 signatures, can be signed in village businesses or online at www.change.org/p/save-our-postie-keep-rick-on-our-village-route.

A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “We appreciate the strong support shown for local postmen and women and the important role they play in the communities they serve.

“Under new delivery arrangements, Rick will continue to serve customers in part of Northiam, while other parts of the area will be covered by other local postmen and women. We will ensure customers continue to receive a reliable service throughout the change.”