A campaign has been started to stop a popular postman being taken from his round.

Such is the popularity of Keith Sullivan that his customers have raised a petition to keep him delivering letters in the Wyke area.

During Mr Sullivan's four years on the round residents say he has become an integral part of the community.

A petition with more than 100 names on is to be presented to his employers, the Royal Mail, imploring them to let him stay.

They have even written a poem about how much they will love and miss him.

Christine Stead, of Eden Close, says: "Part of being a postman traditionally involved becoming part of the community they serve and Keith has certainly does that.

"He knows everybody here by name and always has time for a chat.

"Many of the people who live here are elderly and Keith always asks after them and checks if they need anything.

"At the moment everyone in Bradford is talking about building communities but it seems here that the post office is trying to break them down."

"We really don't want to see him go."

Another resident, Nelly French, said: "I have been ill recently and whenever he sees me he always asks after me to see that I am all right.

''I do not know what I'll do if he moves on."

Another resident, Morris Senior, said: "He's just such a nice lad. I do not see why they cannot change the rules and just let him stay here."

Mr Sullivan is to be moved to a new route on August 29 in the Great Horton area while a new postman is brought into his old beat.

Mr Sullivan, 40, said that he was very sad to be leaving his old route at the end of the month.

He added: "It is very flattering and nice to know people want to keep me.

"I think very highly of all of them and am happy that the think so much of me.

"I do not want to move but the decision has been made and I just need to get on with it.

"I have been very fortunate to have such a good walk for the past four and half years."

Under a national agreement with the Post Office union, staff are entitled to

ask for a 're-pick' of duties in their

office, following major changes in the company.

A Royal Mail spokesman said: "Employees can choose their rounds

on the basis of seniority and this

means that the postman who will be taking over Keith's round will be at

least as experienced and trained to the same high standard. It is always

gratifying when one of our employees

is praised for his hard work and

dedication to his customers, as in this case, and Keith's new customers will

no doubt soon come to appreciate his efforts, too."