A POSTMAN has won a national magazine award for the first-class service he provides to his community.

George Frazer, who has delivered mail in Sadberge, near Darlington, for 14 years, has been named the most dedicated postman in the country by House Beautiful.

He was given a VIP day out and a £1,000 prize at a ceremony in London, on Friday.

Mr Frazer, 58, from Darlington, said he was surprised, but delighted with the award.

"I'm over the moon, it's something you don't forget in a hurry," he said. "It's totally unexpected, but it was a very good surprise."

Christine Harvey, from Sadberge, nominated Mr Frazer, and said: "George is a really modest, shy, good-natured gentleman - a true unsung hero.

"Every day, rain or shine, he always has a smile, and he's always prepared to help people in any way he can.

"To people in Sadberge, he's more than just a postman."

Arthur Sanders, sub-postmaster at Sadberge Post Office, said he was delighted.

"George is considered a friend rather than a postman to many people in the village, young and old," he said.

"Sadberge isn't an easy area to cover, but George is very good indeed."