It's news to us

Phil and Tina Thirkell of Meads Avenue are bringing the news to the people of Little Common having taken up the rounds left by the closure of Thompson's newsagent last autumn.

It's a daily service, seven days a week, and the couple make sure that residents and businesses get their newspapers come rain or shine.

They operate from their garage where all the newspapers are sorted and laid out, with stacks of magazines waiting on shelves to go out to customers, from OK and Hello, to Take A Break, Amateur Gardening, Match and puzzle books. Any publication not already in stock can be ordered in.

Phil said: "We do about 350 deliveries altogether, taking newspapers ourselves to peoples' homes.

"People are really pleased we do it - they didn't know what they would do without us. It is rather an aged population round here. We were lucky enough to inherit a very good customer base - they are a fantastic bunch as well, they really are. There are some lovely characters. We have got a couple of lads that work for us and a couple of mature paper boys - Dave and John. The customers have been good and the lads have been good - it has all worked out quite well really."

Anyone interested in the service can call at Nettlestead in Meads Avenue or telephone 01424 842538 during opening hours which are Monday through Friday 10-12.00am, or Saturday and Sunday 7-12.00am.