Newspaper delivery man retires after 36 years

A newspaper delivery man has retired after 36 years calling it the "best job in the world."

Jeff Savage delivered newspapers across the Cheddar Valley area in Somerset, seven days a week and originally took over from his dad in 1989.

He told BBC Radio Somerset: "My initial plan was to do for five years... but it just evolved into a way of life for me and I never stopped.

"I got up at 04:00am for 363 days a year - and together with my dog Ruby, we loved it."

Before he retired Mr Savage made sure someone would take his place and continue to deliver newspapers to people in the area.

He continued: "At my peak I was delivering to about 400 customers a day, doing a 5-mile radius mainly around Weare and Biddisham.

"The thing that I miss terribly is the human contact. Having conversations with friends and just nattering - it was a wonderful job."

Residents in Weare got together to show their appreciation for Jeff and Ruby and presented him with a special plaque at a surprise party.

Mr Savage said: "I walked in and opened the door and was overwhelmed with 50 odd people thanking me. I will never forget that.

"If I was running late, or hadn't turned up to a customer, my phone would always ring just saying 'are you okay Jeff'? How wonderful is that?"

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