Postmen follow vague map directions to the letter

POSTMEN used their map-reading expertise to ensure delivery of a letter that was simply marked with a name and a drawing, the Royal Mail has said.

A map of Cornwall, Devon and Somerset was sketched on the envelope with a dot drawn in north Cornwall and an arrow saying, “Somewhere Here.”

Postal workers in Bude, north Cornwall, managed to pinpoint the right address and deliver the letter. It was from a long-lost work colleague, but sadly for the recipient, Peter O’Leary, the sender failed to enclose his own address for a reply.

Bude’s delivery office manager, Andrew Lake, said it was the first time he had seen a map used instead of an address. He said posties figured out the intended address and asked if anyone recognised the name.

Postman Eric Seymour said Mr O’Leary was on his round and astounded when he handed over the letter.

“I have come across vague addresses, such as ‘the house two doors down from the church,’ but never a map. It was a bit like the needle in a haystack.”