THE Stratton Postmaster, who went above and beyond the call of duty, has spoken on the media attention he has received after the Post first reported on his efforts.

The Post was informed of how David Shepherd had travelled overnight in order to deliver a package that had been left behind by recipient, Hugh Monro.

Mr Monro wrote in to ask the Post if an article could be written to commend David on his ‘outstanding service’.

The story was published in the Post on March 17, and was later picked up by the Daily Mail.

It has since become a national news story of the postmaster who went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure no package went un-delivered.

When asked about his thoughts on the media attention his efforts have received, David said: “I didn’t expect it at all, I’ve been live on Sky News and other TV channels, its crazy.

“I’ve also received some really nice letters from people from around the country saying well done and congratulating me, some have been anonymous but they have all come from across the UK and other places.

“It has all been very surreal, as it all took off and happened within about three days.

“After it was first printed, a few weeks ago, in the Bude-Stratton Post the Daily Mail picked up the story and from there it carried on. The next day an ITV crew came down then Sky, it was incredible.

“It was in the Sunday Telegraph yesterday (April 3) and since it all began I have been on eight live radio channels, two TV shows, had a feature on the Wright Stuff and have received a phone call from the Post Office’s CEO to congratulate me on my efforts.”

After David had travelled up on the overnight train to Rye and delivered the package, containing Mr Monro’s passport, he turned around and returned to Cornwall.

Mr Monro had initially hoped that David would be rewarded for this journey and that a piece in the Post would prompt the Post Office to award some form of commendation for his actions – the resultant media coverage was unexpected.

Mr Monro said: “What strikes me most is the ripple effect of this story as one paper takes the lead from another.

“After the Daily Mail picked up on the story from you it carried on making its way through the national papers.

“There were three over-riding things that surprised me about the publicity the story got. Firstly was the amount of variations throughout the papers as to the spelling of my name, my sister’s age and the miles that David travelled.

“Another over-riding factor seems to be that there is so much demand for some good news at this time. It seems that so much of the national news focuses on scandal and conflict and there seems to be a need for them to celebrate good things.

“It is extraordinary how far spread this story has become as I believe there are people in Canada, America and even Kazakstan who have read it.

“It just shows how timeless news is for national papers and how there is a clear need for good news which goes against the usual ‘doom and gloom’.”