From fixing wheelchairs to picking up groceries and walking dogs, 64-year-old paperboy Ken Newell does it all.

The tireless former lorry driver has proved a godsend for many customers on his three-and-a-quarter mile paper round.

Not only does he drop off their daily Express & Star but he also helps out where he can with odd jobs for those in need. Widower Ken, of Weston Street, Palfrey, started his paper round around six years ago and can be found pushing his paper trolley around six days a week.

He said: “My wife died and I suffered two heart attacks and could not work any-more. I saw the advertisement in the paper for the rounds and started it up.

“I still think of myself as a paperboy despite being older. The round is three-and-a-quarter miles, I know that because I have measured it with a pedometer my son got me. The only time I have missed it was last year when I got swine flu.”

Sometimes Ken takes his pet labrador Jenny with him on his round.

“It takes me about an hour and a half, I don’t rush, I stop off at my sisters on the route for a cup of tea and I also take some milk round to some and pick up the meat from the butchers for another one.

“One old chap on my round had a puncture on his wheelchair and was going to spend a lot of money having it replaced so I repaired it for him.

“I also take some dogs for a walk. I just help out where I can.”

One of Ken’s customers is Hilda Whitaker, aged 81, of Watery Lane, Caldmore. “He is fantastic,” she said. “He takes my daughter’s dog for a walk on the last part of his round when the dog is with me. He always takes my rubbish out to bins.

“He has become a very good friend since he started delivering the papers. I know he helps lots of people on the rounds doing DIY for them and all sorts. He always happy to do things for people.”

Stuart Clements, of the Express & Star circulation department, said: “The leg work he does everyday is incredible and everyone likes him in the community.”

It was revealed last week how Walsall’s oldest paperboy Robert Wallbank – better known as Bob The Bicycle – is still delivering papers at the age of 76.