Nick Smith, Labour MP for Blaenau Gwent, experienced what is involved in delivering the post when he joined local postman Gareth Fry on his delivery round in Tredegar.

Mr Smith was invited to see the lengths Royal Mail goes to in order to deliver the post across Wales and gain a unique insight into the challenges of delivering mail to every house and business in their constituency, six days a week.

Delivery Office Manager Tina Wojcik-Hill said: “We are delighted that Mr Smith took the time to experience the everyday challenges faced by our delivery postmen and women.

“The visit gave us the opportunity to show him how we are modernising our organisation.  This includes Tredegar delivery office (covering the NP22 and NP24 postcode areas) where he could witness firsthand that we are delivering more parcels and fewer letters than ever before.”

Mr Smith said: “Royal Mail clearly has a challenge to keep their business running in a very competitive market, but I was impressed with the Tredegar operation.

“They were a great bunch and the visit was a real chance to see how Royal Mail runs on the ground floor, it’s a great outfit.

“I wanted to get a real understanding of the work that goes into delivering the mail on a daily basis. There can be no better way of getting that insight than actually going out and doing the job alongside delivery postmen like Gareth.”