Postman Pat inspiration honoured

Postman Pat was a favourite for millions of children

A former post office in the Lake District which provided the inspiration for Postman Pat is to have its literary connection recognised.

John Cunliffe, the author of the famous children's character, lived in the same street as the Beast Banks post office and immortalised it in his books.

The post office was closed last year because of a lack of business, but a plaque will now mark the spot

The plaque was unveiled by the Mayor of Kendal Marilyn Malloy on Wednesday.

Postman Pat, together with his black and white cat, became one of the BBC's most successful children's characters, endearing himself to two generations of children and appearing in more than 50 countries.

Author John Cunliffe says he was surprised by its success.

'True to life'

He said: "The whole thing has grown gradually over the past twenty-five years into something much bigger than I ever expected.

"He is now much more famous than me."

The unassuming postman helped out people in all weathers, something which David Baines, who delivered mail in the area for six years, says is true to life.

He said: "There are some places round here where you could be the only person people see in a week."

Mr Baines worked from the Beast Banks post office, which closed last year because it was no longer financially viable.

At the time it was run by sub-postmaster Mike Malloy, husband of Marilyn Malloy, who is now Mayor of Kendal.

The post office was converted into their living room.

Mrs Malloy said: "This must be one of the most unusual duties a mayor has been asked to do - to unveil a plaque on her own home."