A long-serving postman has delivered his last letter after racking up 40 years of service.

Ernie Simner, aged 61, retired on Wednesday after starting his rounds around Wednesbury and Darlaston back in 1968.

Ernie, of Broadwaters Road, Wednesbury, started off working at the former Holyhead Road depot in Wednesbury, before moving into the new headquarters in Darlaston Road 14 years ago.

He has spent that time delivering up to 600 letters a day all on foot and has seen plenty of changes to the area over the decades.

He said: “I’ve walked all around Wednesbury and Darlaston, all over the place. I’ve never ridden a bicycle or been much of a driver, I prefer walking.

“I deliver about 600 letters in a round, which used to take two and a half hours but it’s a bit longer now – it takes about three and a half.

“The area has seen a lot of change and there’s been a lot of building gone on.”

Delivery office manager Steve Guy added Ernie would be sorely missed.