HE may have said goodbye twice before, but a retiring postmaster has said its third time lucky after villagers held a surprise send-off.

Terry Dunn retired in December after five years at Sparsholt Village Shop and Post Office.

The popular postmaster took the helm when the shop was taken over by the community following the former owners’ retirement, and said he has enjoyed working there.

Earlier this month villagers held a party to say ‘thank you’ and presented the 72-year-old with a bench for his garden, champagne, vouchers, and a 2ft by 3ft card which most people had signed.

“The nicest thing was my retirement card,” he said.

“It was absolutely amazing. I’m quite happy to be retiring because I knew it was coming and I have wanted to do it for about 18 months. It’s my third time. I’m well practised in the art of saying goodbye!”

Mr Dunn retired as a mechanical engineer in 1997 and again 12 years later in 2009.

Victoria Williams, who worked with Mr Dunn, said he will be missed.

“I’m delighted for him because he can retire,” she said.

“It’s a great loss for the shop and Post Office.”

Mr Dunn said he will help as a volunteer when the shop needs it, and also wants to create a new booklet for visitors about walks in the village.