A POSTIE has been hailed a hero for going above and beyond and saving a family’s Father’s Day.

Debbie Diamond, who lives in Wickford, missed the delivery of the present her daughter had bought her dad.

When she visited Wickford post office, in Silva Island Way, to try to pick it up, she was told it was still with the postman who was out on his rounds.

When she tried to return later, the post office was shut as it closes at 2pm on Saturdays and she didn’t realise.

Distraught that she would be unable to pick up the present ahead of Father’s Day, the next day, she took to Facebook, posting a message asking any postmen to help her track down the gift.

Postie Matt Turnbull said: “I just happened to be on Facebook and saw the post.

“I was around at my mum’s, so I posted that I would pop back to mine and pick up my keys so I could go through the parcels to give to her.

“I only live about five minutes drive from the post office.

“There were about 200 to 300 parcels to go through, but I found it.

“As she had two kids, I said I would drop it off at her house.”

However, Matty, who was unintentionally wearing a batman shirt during the heroic deed, has played down his part.

“All the posties here are willing to go that extra mile to help anyone,” the father said. “It was just a matter of me checking Facebook at that time which meant it was me.

“We often open up if we have just closed and someone is looking for a parcel, but this is the first time I have gone back to the office.

“Her daughter was so chuffed - it was great to be able to help them.”

Debbie posted on Facebook at the time: “I have to say he is one of the nicest people I’ve ever come across.

“Royal Mail should be so proud to have a person like him working for them.

“My little girl is so happy her daddy is going to get his pressie from her.

“Matty needs an award. “I will be dropping some beers in to him this week.”

Debbie has emailed Royal Mail to let them know they are “lucky to have him”. Matty’s manager, David Thomas, also posted on the group, praising him and the rest of the Wickford crew.

He added: “They all work very hard and are all thoughtful and go well beyond what is expected of them.”

Other people took to Facebook to praise the postie, calling him a “diamond”, a “superhero” and a “gem”.