THE much-loved posties of Broughton-in-Furness are bidding a fond-farewell as the distribution centre in the area is set to move to Millom.
Steven Acott, Mike Robinson, and Paul Thompson are all due to retire in the coming weeks after decades of delivering post to their local area in what is being dubbed the 'end of an era'.
The team went 'above and beyond' what is expected of any postie and have been commended for their work through a tough coronavirus pandemic.
Their Covid delivery heroics is no surprise to the community who have seen their posties chase off burglars and even get in a scrape with an overly excited goose during their time.
Postmistress for Broughton Post Office Diane Bath said: "This closure of the sorting office has been on the cards for a long time now and the Royal Mail are just streamlining.
"Obviously, it will be a big challenge for us not having them in the building with us all the time.
"Not only that, but it will also impact on our income and it will be a big strain to our finances. But we have no choice in the matter.
"We will miss some of the laughs we have in the morning and when they come back, they always have a story to tell. That is how we find out how people are doing in the area and what is happening in the community.
"They all go above and beyond what is expected of them, they are friends for the people of this community.
"All the customers will miss them, as will we."
One of the customers who has a fond memory of the postmen in his area is county councillor Matt Brereton who lives in the area, and he explained that they always post a treat for his pet dog when they deliver to him, adding that extra personal touch the community fears they will lose.
"What a brilliant job they have done this last year," Cllr Brereton said.
"They are all well-deserving of their retirement.
"This is the end of an era and they served our area really well.
"I am sure the guys from Millom will do a good job and the great service will continue, but we will definitely miss them."
David Mallard will be staying on at Millom sorting office and continue to serve his patch around Duddon Valley, so there will still be one familiar face out there for residents.
