A long-serving Farnham postie has hung up his mailbag after 37 years delivering for the community – in more ways than one!

Mark Wheeler retired from the Royal Mail aged 56 on Monday bringing his four decades of service to an end.

He previously spent a decade delivering in the Wrecclesham, School Hill and Sandrock Hill area. But he has spent the last decade in Farnham delivering in Long Garden Walk and East Street, Hale Road, Adams Park Road, Park Road, Stephendale Road, Osborn Road, Haven Way and around the Farnham Hospital area using his familiar red trolley.  

One of Mark’s fondest memories is the time he wore a Santa beard on his Christmas rounds.

He said: “I had so many ho ho hos and Merry Christmasses walking through the town centre – a moment I’ll never forget, ever.”

Mark also paid tribute to "all the wonderful posties at Farnham Delivery Office and what a great job they do".

And he has himself been showered with good wishes since announcing his retirement, with several roads coming out to offer their goodbyes.

One customer, Flick Hudson, said: “Mark has been more than just a postman, checking in on the elderly and people at home with young children and new babies, always ready with a smile – and tips on the best walks around the Farnham area.”

Another, Phillipa Thacker, said: “His customers absolutely love him and will be very sad to see him go.”