WHAT better judge of doggy qualities than a postman? Crowfield's former postie Ken Arbon took his usual set on the judging panel of the dog show at the village's fete.

WHAT better judge of doggy qualities than a postman?

Crowfield's former postie Ken Arbon took his usual set on the judging panel of the dog show at the village's fete.

He joined BBC Radio Suffolk presenter Lesley Dolphin in selecting the prize canines in a fun dog show.

For the past three years, retired postman Mr Arbon, has judged his own class of 'The Postman's Favourite Dog'.

And even though he hung up his postbag last year, the villagers hold him in such great affection he is always invited back.

"They are like a family," said Mr Arbon, 64, of Dover Road, Ipswich, who delivered the post to the Crowfield, Coddenham and Gosbeck areas for 18 years.

His retirement means he has now more time to indulge his love of traditional toymaking: this year he crafted some wooden letter racks for children of the village to paint and a prize was awarded to the most creative painter.

He also made a fire engine, a police car and a Galaxy aeroplane.

But he does remember some handy tips with dealing with a four-legged friend becomes less than friendly.

"Always be firm," he said. "If you're sharp with them they will obey you."