Postmaster celebrates 30 years at same branch

A postmaster in Surrey is celebrating having worked in the same branch for 30 years.

Chani Gill, who started working at Cobham Post Office in May 1995, said he "loves his job too much" to retire.

The 61-year-old said the best thing about his workplace was his customers, "many of whom I now count as dear friends".

"Being a postmaster is being at the centre of the community."

Mr Gill moved from Kenya to the UK aged 19 and said he always "dreamed of having my own branch".

He said his Post Office career got off to a "scary start" when he was held up at gunpoint while working as a counter clerk in east London.

"I was younger then and refused to give in to their demands so ducked down, pushed the alarm and they ran off."

Mr Gill says the key is "providing excellent service" and "working so hard".

He added: "It's really important that people have trust in what their postmaster is telling them, and to be friendly."

Mr Gill said: "I love helping people with things that they originally thought were complicated, giving them the right form to fill in.

"Even if customers come into the village to do something else they will still stop in to say hello to me.

"My wife probably thinks I should retire and play golf but I love my job too much."

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