The Queen's mailman

The BBC reports that the postman who delivers mail to the Queen at her Balmoral estate has unveiled a new stamp to celebrate her 80th birthday.

Andrew Bloor has served the Royal household on behalf of Royal Mail for 23 years. Bloor is shown with one of eight stamps which are being issued for the Queen's birthday- April 21. Mr Bloor said he thought the set of stamps captured her personality well.

The postman said he had met the Queen on several occasions, often when she was walking her dogs or riding her horse in the grounds of the estate.

"The few times I have met her over that time she has always been relaxed, down-to-earth and very nice."