People in a Norfolk village have paid a special tribute to their well loved 'Postman Pat.'

Eastern Daily Press: Pat Maidment’s wife Jill, brother Mark and other close family members with the new postbox erected in his memory at Wreningham Village Hall. Picture credit: Michael Hill.Pat Maidment’s wife Jill, brother Mark and other close family members with the new postbox erected in his memory at Wreningham Village Hall. Picture credit: Michael Hill. (Image: Michael Hill)

Pat Maidment - who not surprisingly took on the nickname of the children's TV character - lived in the village of Wreningham for over 30 years with his wife Jill.

Mr Maidment worked for the Post Office his whole career from the age of 16, until he died last March, aged 60, from a brain tumour.

After a community Sunday lunch in the village hall on March 4, around 40 family and friends gathered together outside the hall to watch Mr Maidment's brother Mark unveil the special black postbox, which had been erected on the wall of the hall by some of his many friends in the village.

Friend Trevor Wadlow said: 'There was a strong feeling in the village that we wanted to do something to recognise what a truly memorable and well-loved character Pat was and a postbox seemed a fitting tribute.

'We hope it will help preserve fond memories of Pat for us all for many years to come.'

Mr and Mrs Maidment moved to Wreningham in 1986 and Mrs Maidment said her husband worked for the Post Office since he left school at the age of 16.

He started as a messenger boy and then became a postman, based at Thorpe Road in Norwich.

Speaking about the tribute, Mrs Maidment said: 'It means a lot to me and the family.

'I knew he had a lot of friends in the village, but it is great to know that so many people genuinely liked and thought well of him.

'It is comforting to know he is well thought of and people still think of him now.

'A postbox is an entirely appropriate memorial.'