A POPULAR village postwoman has hung up her postbag after 25 years of working for Royal Mail.

Heather Grant, 65, of King's Somborne, retired last week and said although she won't miss the early starts she will miss the people.

She completed her first deliveries on September 1, 1980, and has become well-known in the village as a friendly face and for feeding peoples pets as she worked.

Her typical day would start at 3.15am and she would drive to Winchester to pick up the mail before setting off on her round. Her deliveries would see her take in the sights of Steepleton and Horsebridge Lane in King's Somborne, and then Up Somborne.

Heather said that one of the highlights of the job was the wildlife she often saw in one of the county's most picturesque villages.

She has seen buzzards, owls, deer, weasels, stoats and game birds and has seen ducklings and cygnets grow into fully-fledged ducks and swans.

She will now spend time with her four dogs, three collies Purdy, Skye and Melody, and her collie cross, Bob, four cats and her parakeet.

Heather said: "I have battled with all sorts of weather in my little van and have dodged a few falling branches.

"I will miss everyone, the customers and the others I have worked with, but I won't miss getting up so early."

"The most unfortunate thing is the wages are better now I'm leaving." In retirement, she hopes to show her dogs off in competitions and wants to get a part-time job to keep her animals well fed.

She definitely won't be sitting at home putting her feet up.

"I'm getting bored already," she added.