Meet Britain’s oldest postman – a 98-year-old who delivers letters in his official Royal Mail uniform to the residents of his care home.
Ray Stanley spotted a chance to stay active in his later years so asked bosses if he could take on the task of distributing mail.
The grandfather-of-two now collects letters from the postbox outside the residence in Poole, Dorset, and hands them out.
Thoughtful staff at Upton Bay Care Home contacted the local Royal Mail depot and asked if they could provide a uniform – and they gladly obliged.
Ray now does his round every day in an embroidered shirt and cap – and even has his very own iconic red post bag.
The retired RAF Navigator and transport consultant said: “It’s been quite a laugh. I came to the home back in November and when they suggested I be the postman I didn’t know what to say.
“There’s a postbox down the front and at 1.30pm I go down there and we empty the letters out.
“Then my wheelchair is wheeled around all the different places and I deliver the letters. I meet a lot of people who probably wouldn’t know me otherwise.
“I especially enjoy visiting Memory Lane, where people living with dementia are cared for – I feel like I’m bringing them a little bit of joy.”
December saw Ray’s busiest month, with more than 100 letters and presents to be delivered around the care home in time for Christmas.
Mevin Sohorye, general manager at Upton Bay, said: “We are so grateful to Royal Mail Poole for their gift to Ray. It truly is a pleasure to be able to fulfil a special wish for a resident.”
