A PEMBROKESHIRE postman has looked back fondly on his working life as he celebrates 50 years with the Royal Mail.

John Charles has worked for the postal service since August 18, 1968, when he started as a telegram boy at 15 years old in the grand surroundings of the old post office on Quay Street, Haverfordwest.

Now 66, John delivers in and around Haverfordwest, and lives at Fair Oaks near to Pembrokeshire College.

“It has gone so quick when you look back at it. It seems like time is standing still when you are young but my time flies nowadays!”

Haverfordwest’s postal depot has been based at Merlin’s Bridge since 1985 but John fondly remembers the days at the old post office on Quay Street, now being transformed into HaverHub, a community centre.

“The main memory I have is the smell, because it was completely different to our offices now.

“There was a wooden floor, the sorting furniture was all wood, and we used wicker baskets to carry letters. It was a lovely old building.”

For 35 years, John’s delivery round was in Solva, and built up a keen local knowledge of the village.

“I have seen children that I knew grow up and have children themselves. And of course my mum and grandmother were born and brought up in Solva so when I came there everybody knew the family.”

John has no intention of retiring yet, but does have plans to work part time in the future and take it easy.

His advice to young members of staff joining the postal service is simple: “Be calm and the job just flows really.

“It is daunting when new people start and they see the sorting office at half seven in the morning. But we always get it organised before deliveries at nine.”

Royal Mail manager Nicky Smith described John as a real character who takes enormous pride in his job.

“John is the perfect example of embracing change and when you think of the change he has been a part of his behaviours really align to our company values. He’s a true gent and a privilege to have as part of my team,” she said.

John and the Royal Mail team celebrated his long service with a meal and drinks at the Glen, Haverfordwest.