Readers have reacted after a couple announced plans to retire after 41 years running a post office.

The Recorder ran a story about Manharlal Patel, postmaster at Romford Post Office on Victoria Road, and wife Vimla, whose retirement was announced on Wednesday (August 2).

Manharlal, 81, and Vimla have run the post office since 1982 and their final day will be on August 21.

Customer Jetinder Sira, commenting on Facebook, said: "I'm sorry to hear that, I've known them for a long long time, they are lovely people and will be greatly missed."

RELATED NEWS: Couple set to retire after 41 years running post office will be 'greatly missed'

Lee, another resident, added: "That’s a great loss to Romford.

"They’re a lovely couple - I live very close by and often stop in to say hi."

A politician also praised their dedicated service.

Jane Keane, Labour councillor for St Albans in Romford, said on Twitter: "What an amazing contribution they have made."

Andrew Spires added: "Such a lovely couple."

Manharlal echoed the sentiments of Romford locals and said the best thing about his job was the people he met.