FRIENDS and family of a long-serving postman are gathering this week to say a final farewell.

The funeral Ted Taylor, who worked in the Consett area of County Durham for 45 years, is being held on Friday.

In March 1993 he had the honour of being asked to open the new sorting office in Leadgate as one of the longest serving postmen.

He retired 20 years ago but is still well known in the former steel town.

Mr Taylor, who lived in Delves Lane, was married to Shiela, father to David and Deborah and grandfather to Callum.

His daughter, Deborah Cracknell, said he had been suffering from stomach cancer, but died aged 85 peacefully at home on September 13.

She said: “He was a lovely, gentle kind man. He was very friendly and would speak to anyone.”

“He loved riding his bike, holidays and going away with family and was also a member of the Blackhill bowling club for a few years.”

The funeral will be on Friday at 11.45am at Consett Methodist Church followed by cremation at Mountsett then back to Blackhill Comrades Club.