A LOCAL community gathered to surprise their retiring local postman who has served their area for the past 27 years.

Royal Mail worker Dave Wright was so highly thought of that nearly 90 people gathered at Colebrooke Parish Hall.

Surprised retired postie Dave Wright walking in to the party in Colebrooke Hall. AQ 2089
Surprised retired postie Dave Wright walking in to the party in Colebrooke Hall. AQ 2089 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Captain, the famous resident of The New Inn, Colebrooke, was a guest at postie Dave Wright’s party, with landlord, Mark Smeed. AQ 2074
Captain, the famous resident of The New Inn, Colebrooke, was a guest at postie Dave Wright’s party, with landlord, Mark Smeed. AQ 2074 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

There was a speech by Steve Smith, chairman of the parish council and John Richards read a special poem he had written.

The event had been arranged by Tracey Bragg who asked Dave to come to the hall on the premise of helping move some of tables!

An amazing spread of cakes at the party to thank Dave Wright for his service at Colebrooke. AQ 2081
An amazing spread of cakes at the party to thank Dave Wright for his service at Colebrooke. AQ 2081 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
A hall full of people for the surprise party for Dave Wright at Colebrooke. AQ 2110
A hall full of people for the surprise party for Dave Wright at Colebrooke. AQ 2110 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Dave, who has been a postie for 41 years, walked in to a hall full of people and a round of applause.

Wendy Oliver presented Dave with a substantial cash donation contributed to by all in the village, along with other gifts.

Dave Wright and Mel Stride MP at the Crediton Sorting Office. AQ 0385
Dave Wright and Mel Stride MP at the Crediton Sorting Office in December 2025. AQ 0385 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)