IT has been in her family, and at the heart of community life in a Waterside village, for three generations.

But after 45 years in the job, and her last holiday - a QE2 cruise - a 17-year-old memory, postmistress Kath Porter is taking a well-earned retirement.

Ms Porter said farewell to Fawley Post Office at a surprise party thrown by villagers.

"I've always wanted to retire when I reached 60," she said.

"I've done my bit and wanted a life. I'm getting too old for these hours.

"It's the end of an era, but we've got to move on. I think 45 years is long enough. I shall miss the customers - a lot of them have known me since I was a girl."

Ms Porter has worked full-time, Monday to Saturday, at the post office since her own mother Eva retired as postmistress in 1984.