A postman and bowls player who represented Norfolk in the English Bowling Federation, Geoffrey Tuck, has died aged 83.

He was the village postman for 34 years in Walsingham and was a former member of the parish council and organiser of the local flower show for many years.

As a keen sportsman, he was well-known in the outdoor bowls circuit and also played for Wells Town for many years as goalkeeper.

Born in Wells into a railway family, he worked alongside his train driver father as a fireman.

He was also presented to the late King George VI at Wells Station when he was travelling to Holkham Hall to shoot.

He was involved in a number of groups and organisations in Walsingham, including the village hall.

He played for the football team and the bowls club, where the green at the Bull public house was always challenging for visitors – it has a noted slope.

A keen banjo player, he often played in Wells and surrounding villages, entertaining with a repertoire of songs including many from George Formby as well as local favourites: 'Have ya got a light borh!' and 'I'm leaning on a lamp post.'

On his birthday in 1961, he was at his local pub, the Black Lion, when St Mary's Church caught fire, and ran down to assist.

Always cheerful, and often whistling as he went on his daily round, on one occasion, he had to be rescued when his post van became stuck in the river Stiffkey.

He and his wife were married by the Rev Alfred Hope-Patten, who had restored the Anglican Shrine, at St Mary's parish church in 1958. Married for 56 years, he is survived by his wife, Dorothy, and leaves three children, Greta, Gary and Keith, three grandsons and three great grandchildren.

A funeral service will take place at St Mary's Church, Walsingham, on Tuesday, May 28 at 2pm. Michael Pollitt