Postie celebrates 80th and recalls 'all-claws' cat
BBCAn 80-year-old who has been a postman for 28 years has said he does not plan on retiring soon, as he recalled some letterbox memories, including a cat that was "all claws".
Sammy Allen's milestone birthday was celebrated by Guernsey Post on social media, leading to an outpouring of well-wishes from the island community.
Allen started his mail career as a paperboy in his home country of Ireland, and has been working for the postal service since he was 51.
Reflecting on his career, Allen said: "One time I posted through a letterbox, and a cat jumped and caught me by the finger. It was all claws. I quickly pulled it out of course, so it was alright."
Allen described his job as "the best I've ever had" and that he would "recommend this to anybody".
The postie has seen the industry change throughout his years, adding it was "a lot different" to when he began.
"With all this automation now, it's so fast, which is a great thing for us," he continued.
Allen used to work at the service doing deliveries "which is quite a heavy, responsible job", though he said what he does now "suits me better for my age and my abilities".
Looking back over the years, Allen said "time flies".
"I have two daughters and five grandchildren so they occupy most of my time, and my wife keeps me on my toes."
The postie said he was surprised by the outpouring of messages he received from people congratulating him, adding he wanted to "thank them very much for making it a very lovely day".
"I'd never thought it would be that many people, but then I've been here 56 years now in Guernsey," he said.
Allen said he felt it was "a great achievement" to have reached his octogenarian years, adding it had been "lovely" to receive birthday wishes from people across the island.
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