For most people, retirement is a time to put your feet up and enjoy life.

But sprightly 80-year-old, Diana Ruse, has definitely bucked the trend after spending the last 17 years keeping residents up to date with everything that is going on in town by delivering their weekly newspaper, The Star Advertiser.

Mrs Ruse first started delivering papers for publishing company Archant, which also owns The Evening Star, in 1994 to earn some pocket money and to get some exercise, and she has loved every minute of it ever since.

“I just wanted a little job,” she said.

“I meet a lot of people and I enjoy that. I like the fresh air and it gets me out and gives me some exercise.

“I moved from Grundisburgh to here, I live on my own, and I decided to ring them (Archant) up. I waited about a month and I have been with them ever since.

“I love it.”

Mrs Ruse’s mile-and-a-half journey every week sees her deliver papers to Surrey Road, Chaucer Road, Goyfield Avenue, Newry Avenue and part of Mill Lane. She delivers 119 copies of the Star Advertiser every Friday which takes her just over an hour to complete.

Mrs Ruse, who celebrated her 80th birthday last month, is the oldest paper girl working for Archant Suffolk by 20 years but she insists she is not ready to finish just yet.

“It keeps me healthy,” she said.

“I won’t give it up until I really have to because I do feel it’s good to get out when you’re getting old.”

Mrs Ruse’s manager, Jan Bareham, hailed her achievements and has described her as one of her best employees.

She said: “I’ve made a friend of her over the years.

“If I need an extra round doing she’ll always help me out. She’s very loyal and one of the best employees.”

n What do you think? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or you can send an e-mail to us at eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk