Postie Mick clocks up 40 years

Mick Nicholls from Uckfield is celebrating forty years as a rural postie.

Mick, of Forge Rise, celebrated the milestone anniversary with fifty of his colleagues. He was presented with a plaque and a tiepin as well as a video camera, which will come in handy when he goes to America on holiday.

Mick started as a postman in Reigate after leaving a job in insurance, although he almost didn't make it through the first few months. He said: 'When I first started it was in the winter of 1962. The winter was very bad, we had three months of awful weather and it was a nightmare making deliveries. There were drifts up to three or four foot high and I thought the job was not for me.'

He added: 'I stuck it out though and I enjoy the job, especially the summers. You also get to know a lot of people.'

Mick is now the longest serving postman in the Uckfield area and is a regular face around the Framfield and Blackboys area making his deliveries between 4.30am and 12.30pm.

Although Mick has enjoyed the last 40 years he added: 'I'm 59 and I don't think I'll still be working when it's my 50th anniversary. I want to retire soon!'

LEFT:: Mick with his long service certificate. 19115