Postmaster 'still going strong' after 40 years

Arshad Khan, left, receiving his long service award from Post Office area manager Paul Spry

A postmaster who is celebrating 40 years in the job says he has "no regrets" – nor any plans to retire.

Arshad Khan, 79, took over Eastfield Road Post Office in Peterborough in October 1984.

He moved from London with his wife and children, having never been to the city before visiting the shop he would go on to take over.

Mr Khan said: "It was a very nice, quiet area and our customers are lovely. They made us feel welcome as soon as we arrived."

'Great rapport'

Mr Khan's daughter Saima now helps to run the Post Office, while his two other children have also previously worked there.

“We have always enjoyed serving this community," he said.

"We laugh and chat with customers, and we have got to know people well – they have become friends."

Since the Khans moved to Eastfield Road, more homes have been built in the area, with a university campus on one side and a college on the other.

The shop was a newsagent before it became a Post Office, but is now also a general store after the Khans modernised it 11 years ago.

Mr Khan has been given a Post Office 40 Years' Long Service Award.

Paul Spry, the Post Office area manager, thanked Mr Khan for his "impressive 40 years" of work, adding: "Arshad and his family are very popular with their customers, and they have great rapport."

Mr Khan said: "I've done 40 years, but I have no plans to retire. I'm still going strong."