A presentation was made to Jim Holmes ahead of the start of a flower festival at the St Michael and All Angels Church, Garton-on-the-Wolds, on Friday night.

Jim delivered the mail to homes in the village for more than 35 years before his retirement in June.

His length of service spanned both the Queen’s Silver and Golden Jubilees, as well as the full terms in office of five Prime Ministers.

And parish council chairman Jon Purdy paid tribute to Jim’s contribution to village life over the years.

He said: “In a time when local services have been steadily withdrawn from communities like ours, Jim’s devotion to his job has been an example to us all.

“We were delighted with the generous response of the village to the collection for Jim, but we weren’t surprised.

“Jim was a good friend to many people in the village and his cheerful smile is sadly missed.”

Jim, who is a keen bird watcher, received binoculars, a camera and a commemorative clock by lifelong Garton resident Ivy Kay.

The presentation to Jim was made at the opening of the flower festival which continued at the church during the weekend.

More than 160 people attended the opening, which also included music from the Driffield Silver Band.