LONGHOPE villagers made sure local postie Dave East went out in style as he made his last round after more than 40 years.

Local carpenter Malcolm Marshall made a Sedan chair and four bearers took Dave around the village – although they did cheat a bit by having wheels on it.

It normally takes Dave around three hours to complete his round which has about 220 houses on it.

He started as a postman in Gloucester in 1970 but moved to Longhope soon after.

On Saturday morning he was helped by his son, Paul, Herbie Renfield, Andy Cameron and Paul Pickering as his bearers.

Longhope sub-postmaster Richard Pett said: "Dave has been an absolute legend in the village so we couldn't let his last day go without marking it in some way.

"Everybody knows Dave and he is more than just a postman.

"The chair was made by Malcolm Marshall who is a carpenter in the village but we have added wheels to it to make it a bit easier for them."

For his last round Dave was greeted by villagers who turned out to wish farewell and get a glimpse of the transport.

Dave said he had enjoyed his years as Longhope's postman and was sad to be leaving the job.

He said: "I started when I was in my 20s and I've got some very good memories and I will miss it."

Dave sits on the Forest of Dean District Council as Independent councillor for Longhope and is also a member of Longhope Parish Council.

He said: "I'll be spending more times on my council work and we've also got a motorhome which will be taking out."

Dave's last day was not without incident – for the first time in his career he needed running repairs after cutting his finger on a gate.

The village also threw a party in the evening where he was presented with a large postbox and cash.

He said: "Living next door to the post office I've never needed a postbox but I've got one now.

"I would like to thank everyone for making my last day so memorable and for the gifts."