The traditional postie is often the eyes and ears of the community and much valued for their public-spirited awareness.

And that's certainly the case in one Kent village, which has lost its long-serving postman to retirement after 35 years of service.

Neal Morcom – who for the last two decades has worked in Wingham – has decided to hang up his mailbag because of the toll the job has taken on his back.

And with a route that entailed him walking almost 50 miles a week, delivering to more than 550 homes and premises, it's not surprising the 56-year-old has started to suffer.

But since announcing his departure, he has been inundated with praise and goodwill messages from residents and the parish council, which he says has been "humbling".

"Neal has not just been the postie for a large part of Wingham but was considered a friend, essential service and lifeline to many people to whom he delivered," says parish council chairman Sharon Addis.

"On behalf of the parish council, we wish him a long and healthy retirement. I am sure he will be missed."

"You get to know everyone and I've done my best to look out for those who might need help."

Neal, a dad-of-two who lives in Broadstairs, originally trained as a chef but when the hotel he was working in closed he joined the Royal Mail "as a stop gap" – but ended up staying in the job for more than three decades.

He started his career as a postman in Cornwall in 1987 before moving to the Canterbury area nine years later and becoming Wingham's dedicated postie.

He was one of the longest-serving members of staff at the sorting office until his final round last week.

"My back has been a problem for a while, no doubt caused by the job, so when I got the opportunity to go, I did, because I just couldn't carry on physically any more," he said.

"But I've loved working in Wingham, which is such a close-knit, friendly community.

"You get to know everyone and I've done my best to look out for those who might need help."

Neal recalls delivering to one elderly woman who was always leaving her front door open, so he would call in to make sure she was OK.

On another occasion he heard another woman calling out his name as he posted her letters and discovered she had collapsed.

"I covered her up with blankets and called an ambulance," he said.

"I just tried to do my bit for the village, and have enjoyed it immensely.

"But the job changed a lot after privatisation and we were getting told things like we had to 'walk faster'."

Writing on Facebook, numerous villagers have expressed their appreciation for Neal's service.

"Thank you Neal for all your very hard work and compassion towards us and many more in our village," wrote Paula Cooper.

"In all weathers you have been there with your smile and concern. You will definitely be a hard act to follow."

Nicky Lineham added: "Thank you Neal for being such a great, cheerful and conscientious postman. We will miss you. We wish you better health and happy days ahead."

Neal, who is a keen performer in amateur theatre, said: "It was really heart-warming to get such nice comments and actually quite humbling."

Neal says he now has physiotherapy sessions planned for his back pain and then will start looking for a "little" job.