BUCKLESHAM: A postman who always carried titbits to delight dogs has moved to another village after 17 years on the job.

Bucklesham held a tea party for dog-loving Adrian Bardwell, of Faulkeners Way, Trimley St Mary, on April 2 as he is moving from his usual route because of the restructuring of local post rounds.

The 57-year-old, who is now based in Otley, was blown away by how many people showed up.

He said: “It was unbelievable really.

“The lady who did the organising asked me, when she found out I was leaving, if I would mind the parish council putting on the do.

“I couldn’t believe how many people were there.”

Residents in the village were quick to add their thoughts on the well- known postman.

Roly Burrows, who sits on the community council, said: “He is a fantastic bloke. He always had a tit-bit for the dog.

“A year or two ago there was a lady who was housebound and he used to walk her dog. It was only a short walk, but he really did go out of his way to help people.”

Heather Owens said: “Adrian got on well with the majority of the dogs because he always had a pocketful of biscuits.

“He even said at the party – if I am ever able to come back to Bucklesham, could I have a welcome back party?”

During the evening there was a collection for Adrian which has so far raised �300 which will help with a two-week trip to the Lake District the family has planned.

He was also presented with a book on the dogs of the village.

Around 50 dogs were put into the book from pictures residents had handed in.

Adrian said: “It was crazy because everybody knew that I was good with the dogs.

“It was lovely because it’s different and something that’s personal to me.

“I haven’t brought the biscuits to Otley yet but it’s something I may have to start doing soon.”

n Did you attend the tea party for Adrian? Do you have a postie who goes the extra mile? Write to Your Letters, The Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk