From serving Princess Diana to coming face-to-face with armed robbers, it certainly has been a career to remember for Mick Ball.

The 64-year has called time on his 48 years at the Post Office, which has seen him work across London and Norwich before seeing out his final eight years at Dereham.

Mr Ball, who is originally from Wimbledon in South London, applied for a Post Office job at 16 having just finished his O-levels - leading to his nearly 50 years behind the counter.

Dereham Times: MIke Ball, who is originally from Wimbledon in South London applied for the job at 16 having just finished his O levelsMIke Ball, who is originally from Wimbledon in South London applied for the job at 16 having just finished his O levels (Image: Vikki Ball)

“I saw an advert in the South London press looking for counter staff and thought that would be interesting so I applied,” Mr Ball said.

“I loved the people, whether it was who I served or worked alongside, I just loved to chat with them and find out about their lives.”

READ MORE: Hockering Post Office near Dereham announces closure

It was during his time in London that he served Princess Diana in 1980 from a post office on Lupus Street in the capital.

While he cannot remember the order he never forgot the elbow being dug into his side by a colleague as they whispered - ‘that's Lady Diana’.

Dereham Times: Mike Ball added his thanks to all his colleagues for making work so enjoyableMike Ball added his thanks to all his colleagues for making work so enjoyable (Image: Denise Bradley)

He also helped Micky Dolenz from The Monkees and Noele Gordon from the soap Crossroads.

Mr Ball and his wife Vikki, who met after being set up on a blind date by their best friends, moved to Norfolk in 1988.  

He then worked in the Norwich branch on St Stephens Street and it was there where he was robbed for the only time.

Dereham Times: Princess Diana seen in Norwich in 1990 Picture: NewsquestPrincess Diana seen in Norwich in 1990 Picture: Newsquest

“I’ll never forget them coming in with a sledgehammer, and someone holding a gun - I just ran out the back door,” he added.

Dereham Times: Mike is looking forward to enjoying retirement with wife Vikki in Swanton MorleyMike is looking forward to enjoying retirement with wife Vikki in Swanton Morley (Image: Denise Bradley)

Mr Ball thanked all his colleagues for making work so enjoyable.

He now plans to spend his retirement gardening, travelling with his wife, and adding to his vinyl collection of over 2,000 records.