POSTMEN IN LINE FOR AWARDS

Customers were invited to nominate Royal Mail people who they thought were the unsung heroes of the local community, '1st Class' charity fundraisers or who performed a public spirited act of bravery or had helped with an emergency whilst out on their deliveries.

The short listed candidates demonstrate the exceptional contribution that Royal Mail employees make to their local communities and each receive 100 in prize money.

Richard Downer, 44, from Polegate is nominated for a Bravery award; he was one of the first people at the scene when a car ploughed into a mother and child outside Polegate Post Office.

A trained first aider, Richard remained calm and took charge of the situation, sending a passer by to the local doctor's surgery, and another to turn off the car ignition.

Richard administered first aid to the 7-year-old child with serious head injuries until paramedics arrived.

Martin Cornforth and Dave Robinson based at Seaford Delivery Office walked 1000 miles from Lands End to John O'Groats in just 15 days, raising 5000 for charity, earning a joint nomination for the Fundraising award.