VETERAN postman Michael Maguire is being forced to retire – despite wanting to keep on delivering to his customers.

Royal Mail bosses have told Mr Maguire he must retire at 65.

The Government has confirmed plans to scrap the default retirement age of 65 from October, which means employers will no longer be able to force employees to retire at that age.

But the new ruling will come too late for Mr Maguire, of Atwell Close, Wallingford, who has been told by Royal Mail managers that his contract will be terminated on February 28, the day of his 65th birthday.

Mr Maguire started delivering mail in the Wallingford area on December 6, 1977, and his rounds have included those in Berwick Salome, Ipsden, Ewelme, Benson, Warborough, North Stoke and, for the past 18 years, Moulsford.

Mr Maguire said: “I have always kept myself very fit so there are no health reasons for me to retire, and I would like to continue for another few years. My manager was very supportive and admitted it would be difficult to find someone as conscientious as me.

“I have delivered mail in all weathers and I’ve been bitten by one or two dogs over the years.

“The last time I had a sick day was seven years ago.

“I know my efforts are appreciated by the people I deliver to and they have said they would write letters of support on my behalf.”

Mr Maguire said that he worked in an office which was often under-staffed and where some duties were covered on overtime.

He added that his wife Linda wanted him to retire but he did not yet feel ready to hang up his mailbag.

Wantage MP Ed Vaizey has pledged to support Mr Maguire’s fight to stay on. He said: “I am very supportive of people who want to work past the retirement age of 65.

“Cases have to be looked at individually, but Mr Maguire is in vigorous good health.”

“When you have someone so enthusiastic, an employer should embrace that rather than hiding behind the rules.

“I would be quite happy to write to the Royal Mail on his behalf.”

Ann Stickings, treasurer of Moulsford Parish Council, said: “He will be missed by many villagers because he is a very good postman and a very nice man – it would be good if Royal Mail bosses changed their mind.”

Sue Dakin, a spokesman for Royal Mail, said: “It is open to any of our people to request to continue working after the age of 65.”

But she added: “This is only granted if the role requires a specialist skill or the vacancy could not be filled in any other way.

“The final decision in any case is in no way a reflection on the individual’s performance or ability to do the job.”