A convoy of Royal Mail vans drove through Maidstone as a final farewell to a postman who devoted his life to the service for more than 40 years.

Paul Dunmill, 57, from Sutton Valence, passed away on January 30 after a short battle with coronavirus.

Nicknamed ‘Postie Paul’, he had been delivering in East Farleigh for the last 20 years and became popular with residents in the area.

The cortège left from his family home in Sutton Valence before travelling around his old delivery route.

Customers, friends and colleagues lined the kerbs, while maintaining a social distance, in tribute to the postman known for his ready smile and willingness to help others.

The coffin was transferred to a horse-drawn carriage at Wilkins Corner Nursery and Farm Shop on Heath Road in East Farleigh before proceeding down Dean Street.

As they reached Lidl in Tovil, around 40 Post Office vans accompanied Mr Dunmill on the final stretch of the journey to Vinters Park Crematorium.

There has already been an outpouring of tributes to Mr Dunmill.

A Just Giving page set up in his memory and to support his widow Susan and son Craig has raised £10,120.

A blue plaque has been attached to a telegraph pole in Gallants Lane, East Farleigh, next to the spot where he would park his van every morning to deliver the post locally.

Mr Dunmill was born in Coxheath and lived in the Maidstone area all his life. He had been a pupil at Coxheath Primary School and then Cornwallis Secondary School at Linton.

He joined the post office immediately after leaving school.

He had competed in the Maidstone Snooker League for years, at one time playing in the Bearsted Workingmen's Club team with his son Craig.

To donate the Just Giving appeal, click here.

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