Residents turned out to surprise their much-loved postman on his 50th birthday after he left it too late to book the day off.
Lee Schuller, who has been delivering letters and parcels in Beeford, East Yorkshire, for more than half his life, said he did not want a fuss for his birthday.
But more than 250 residents decorated the village and gathered at the community centre to show their love and sing him happy birthday.
Lee said: “There are not many people that can say they don’t actually mind coming to work. I’ll never be a millionaire, I’m not rich in the pocket, but I’m rich in life.”
He said he was “gobsmacked” when he saw the village decorated with banners, balloons and bunting.
“It’s wonderful, but like I keep telling them, they’re always so lovely to me, so I respond,” he added.