Ex soldiers reunited by postman

Harry Dillon had not seen his friend for 50 years

A dedicated postman reunited two ex-Army friends by delivering a letter to: "Mr Adam Hastings, aged 70, somewhere in Newcastle upon Tyne."

Harry Dillon, 71, from Biddenden, near Ashford, Kent, wanted to track down a National Service colleague he had not seen since they were demobbed in 1953.

He sent a letter and a Royal Mail employee in Newcastle traced Mr Hastings through the local phone book.

The pair have now caught up on more than 50 years of news.

The pair had been on service in Germany, but lost touch once they were demobbed.

'Excellent job'

Mr Dillon addressed a letter: "Mr Adam Hastings, (Aged 70 years), Somewhere in Newcastle upon Tyne, Can a Kind Postman Help, Do Your Best For An Old Army Pal! (At One Time Lived At Benwell)."

Inside, his note read: "Hello Geordie. How are you?" Then he listed his contact details.

Mr Hastings, a retired hospital clerk, said: "It's amazing that the letter got through.

Harry Dillon, second left, with Adam 'Geordie' Hastings, centre

"The Royal Mail has had a lot of bad press, but they deserve credit where credit's due."

Mr Dillon was equally impressed with the service.

He said: "It was sent in blind faith. They have done an excellent job."

Royal Mail spokesman Graham Moore said : "This story exemplifies the commitment of our staff.

"Clearly someone has gone to a great deal of effort to reunite these two."