A much-loved postmaster retiring after almost three decades of service will be an “immeasurable loss” to North Weald, it has been said.

Roy Sudra retired on Thursday (April 28) after 29 years at the village post office.

Crowds of people visited the village hall on Saturday, for a special event to thank the man who has ensured their post arrived intact and on time.

Doreen Clery, 70, of the High Road, said: “He did an outstanding job - his extremely efficient skills, his meticulous attention to detail, his extreme politeness and his contribution to equality.

“His loss will be absolutely immeasurable to the village.”

Appearing with his family, Mr Sudra shook hands and reminisced with villagers, and posed on a vintage 1964 GPO messenger bike.

The retiring postmaster was named North Weald parish council’s Citizen of the Year 2016 for his dedicated work.

His nomination described him as “highly regarded, extremely knowledgeable, polite and courteous - will be missed by all.”

With the old post office closed, a branch has now opened at the News Shop, 20 High Road.