POPULAR postie Ken Melia was first-class at his job and his many fans have finally been able to demonstrate just how much they think of him.

Mr Melia, of Outwood, Radcliffe plodded the same beat on Bury's Walshaw Park estate for 21 years.

But he delivered his last letter on December 30, two days before his 60th birthday.

Nothing was too much trouble for Mr Melia, who took mail off the elderly to spare them a walk to the post box, kept an eye on homes when the occupants were on holiday and could not resist patting and stroking the dogs on his round.

On one occasion a lady posted off her passport application but forgot to put a cheque in the envelope. She phoned the sorting office and within ten minutes Mr Melia had found the letter. He brought it back to her, waited while she put the cheque in and took it back for posting! "Nothing is too much trouble for him. He has time for everyone and will do a favour for anyone. He's everybody's friend," said one of his many fans.

So when his "regulars" found out he was retiring they decided the occasion could not pass unmarked.

Beverley Raynes and Barbara Gaskell, both of Cotswold Crescent, hit on the idea of a surprise party.

"We posted letters through all the doors on the estate, just to gauge the level of interest and 229 people said they'd love to have a party for Ken," said Mrs Raynes.

So the Elizabethan Suite of Bury Town Hall was promptly booked and Ken was tricked into attending by his wife, Audrey, who pretended they were going along to her friend's birthday party.

"To walk in there in all innocence and to be greeted so genuinely by them all was so awesome. I could feel the affection. It was probably the most memorable day of my life," said Ken, who was presented with a cheque for more than £700.

He said: "I'll miss the job. I liked being outside and meeting the people without anyone breathing down my neck."

But there's no chance that he will stagnate now he has given the sack to his sack.

He has got new job as a lollipop man at Philips High School in Whitefield and his many hobbies will also keep him busy.

"I paint, play the saxophone badly, and have about 20 games of e-mail chess on the go with opponents from as far afield as Russia and Australia," he said.