Blackheath councillor and Mayor of Sandwell Bob Price is preparing to hang up his post bag.

The 56-year-old is retiring after a forty year career with the Royal Mail which he began as one of the original ‘telegraph boys’ in Birmingham at the age of 15.

Bob went on to work for Post offices in Oldbury, Smethwick and Coombs Wood.

Following a year long career break in which he has served as Sandwell’s first citizen, Bob now hopes to have more free time to spend with his family and pursue his passion for fishing.

Bob said: “It has been a pleasurable forty years working with so many different people along the way. I have met so many friends and I won’t forget them as I will carry so many wonderful memories with me.”

Bob, of Mackmillan Road, has been a long standing member of the council representing the Blackheath ward for 18 years and has held the position of Mayor since May 2008, with his wife Barbara as Mayoress.

Bob added: ”I have thoroughly enjoyed my role as Mayor, most importantly managing to raise money for charity and being able to meet so many organisations throughout the year.

“Every single event has been a highlight for me.”