Always on the lookout

Our postmen and women have a well-deserved reputation for honesty and excellent customer service – qualities which have been epitomised by Newton Aycliffe postman, Michael Gleeson.

With 33 years of service under his belt, Michael has seen his fair share of curiosities. But when he found a wallet while out on delivery, he was shocked to find it full of bank notes totalling £740.

‘I was coming to the end of a bag,’ said Michael. 'As I walked off the drive, I saw a wallet on the ground. When I picked it up to see if there was anything inside that could identify the owner, I saw that it was full of £20 notes.’

Michael also found identification for the owner, Bryan Storr. Fortunately, he knew that Mr Storr worked with the owner of the house where he had found the money.

As there was no reply at the door, Michael returned later, where he found the two men in the garden. ‘Bryan couldn’t believe it when I returned the wallet,’ said Michael. ‘He was in shock. They were so grateful because the money was for a catering job they were doing that evening.'

‘I’d resigned myself to the fact that the wallet was gone,' said Bryan. 'So when Michael returned it I was gobsmacked. I can’t put into words how grateful I am.’

Fellow postman and CWU rep, Russell Craig, added: ‘Michael is full of honesty and integrity. That’s just the type of person he is.'

Anton Harding, director of delivery, added: ‘I continue to be amazed by the stories I hear of colleagues who go above and beyond to provide an extra service in our communities. Michael has done just that and deserves the praise he is getting.’