The owners of a post office have retired after 43 years of running the same branch.

Irene and Rob Rae began their careers as subpostmasters in 1973 when they bought the Newtown Road Post Office in Carlisle from the previous owners, who had also run the branch for 40 years.

They had planned to retire three years ago and kept on going – but now they have finally decided to call it a day.

They left this week when the post office and shop temporarily closed for a refurbishment.

Mr Rae, 66, said: “We want to be able to spend time with our grandchildren – and travel a bit too.”

The couple, who were presented with a long service award in 2013, married in September 1971 when she worked in the motor tax office and he worked as an engineer. They bought the post office and have worked together ever since.

Over the years the business and premises have been expanded, accommodating a grocery, off licence, and confectionery and newspapers business alongside the post office branch.

Mr Rae said: “It will be nice to take things a bit easier.

“We’ll miss the customers though. All of the people in the west of the city have been brilliant.

“We’ve had a lot of cards from people. A lot of people are very generous and have included money as a goodbye gift. We are going to donate that to charity.

“We’ve also worked with some great people over the years. Our staff have been good and Julie, one of our employees, has been with us for more than 20 years.”

The couple enjoy travelling and have plans to visit Brazil and Argentina in February next year.

Mr Rae said: “We like travelling and Irene likes walking so we will probably join a walking group or something like that too. I expect our grandchildren will keep us busy though.”

The post office has closed temporarily so a new counter and machine can be installed.

When it opens on October 21 it will also have new owners.

Syed Kashif Iftikhar and his wife Sameera Rasool will take over the business.

Mr Rae said: “They have experience of running similar businesses in Ecclefechan. I am going to help them in the first few weeks.”