Mary still out delivering The Observer at 80

A paper round is generally considered a job for teenagers raise a bit of extra pocket money.

But for Mary Miles - who will be out delivering The Observer today (Thursday) just days before her 80th birthday - it is not about the cash in her pocket.

Every week the Potters Green great-grandmother grabs more than 100 copies and hands them out to people living on her round in and around Diana Drive.

And according to one of her three grandchildren, she's putting some of society to shame.

Kerry Miles told us: "A lot of people might sit and read this and be embarrassed because there are going to be people who pick and choose their jobs.

"This shows up my generation I suppose, that people are quite lazy. It puts some people to shame, those people who sit at home and do nothing."

Even in the recent storms Mary - who has lived in the area for around 50 years - went out and completed her round.

The job the former Potters Green School dinner lady considers a hobby started eight years ago when she decided she wanted to keep active.

"It's a little hobby for her," Kerry added.

"She is really active and even walks to town before getting the bus back.

"It's all because she doesn't want to just seize up at home, plus she loves to be nosey!

"She'll never quit unless the doctors say so. On Thursdays she doesn't make plans because she knows she'll be delivering the papers.

"Sometimes she'll deliver them at 7am just so people can read The Observer at breakfast, and she delivers to the old people's home in Woodway Lane.

"They rely on the paper to know what's happening."

Observer editor Chris Smith also paid tribute to Mary.

He said: "We really do value the work of Mary and the rest of our team of deliverers.

"It's their dedication to go out in all weathers to deliver the news to our readers that is crucial to us."