AN ERA is due to end in Elvington today when the village's veteran postmaster calls it a day after three decades - ending 75 years of family business.

Terry Wilson and wife Irene have run Elvington Post Office since 1971, after taking over from Terry's parents.

Terry said he could have retired and sold the building two years ago, but wanted to make sure it would still be run as a Post Office.

He said: "We decided to wait as we didn't want Elvington to be without its post office and we are glad to say it will be remaining as one. Too many villages have lost their post office and we didn't want that to happen here."

Terry, 60, began to take a larger role in the post office after retiring from his building business six years ago.

Before that, Irene looked after the day-to-day running of the office.

Terry said the couple would not miss the 5.15am starts and regularly working twelve hours a day.

But he said they will miss the comradeship of running a village business.

"You really do build up an excellent rapport with your customers over the years, that is something we will never forget.

"It is a sad day in a way, but we are looking forward to having a lot more leisure time. That is something we are going to make the most of."

Terry said he will still be living in Elvington - two doors away from the Post Office - so he is set to become one of its customers.

"That will take a bit of getting used to," he said.

Updated: 11:39 Wednesday, August 15, 2001