A FORMER soldier who defied the odds to become a dedicated village postman despite serious war wounds has died, aged 91.

Tommy Flintoff walked miles on his daily post round at Winston, near Barnard Castle.

But he was in constant pain from wounds inflicted on his knees and an arm as he faced a German artillery bombardment in France in 1944, while serving in the East Yorkshire Regiment.

He was in hospital for nine months before being discharged and classed as 100 per cent disabled. But within weeks of arriving home in Winston he was trying to find work.

His widow, Jenny, who met him in the village at that time, said yesterday: "He was a real inspiration, because though he never had a day without pain he always went around with a big smile on his face.

"People used to say they wished they were as fit as Tommy, but little did they know what he was suffering. It was sheer determination that got him through. He often needed injections in his knees because of the pain."

Mr Flintoff always refused to talk about his war experiences and his injuries.

He was advised to take up gardening after his Army discharge, and before long his flower and vegetable plot was one of the best in the area.

Mrs Flintoff said: "He was delighted when he got his job as a postman. He enjoyed it until he retired in his sixties, but nobody realised his condition. I am tremendously proud of him."

The couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary four years ago.

Mr Flintoff also leaves two daughters, Gillian and Pauline, six grandchildren and one great grandchild.

A funeral service will be held in St Andrew's Church, Winston, on Thursday at 2.15pm.