A PONTYPOOL postman who also works as a firefighter is helping to launch a series of stamps paying tribute to the courage and bravery of the emergency service.

Dean Heneghan, 42, of Pontnewynydd, has worked for Royal Mail for four years whilst also working as retained firefighter for the same length of time.

Mr Heneghan, who is based at Abersychan Fire Station, regularly attends “shouts”, training and fire safety sessions in addition to his Royal Mail shift.

He said he always wanted to be a firefighter and working as a postman gave him the flexibility to do both.

He is one of many posties from around Wales helping to launch six new stamps, which will be on sale from September 1 to highlight the many different jobs firefighters carry out.

The set includes two firefighters on the 1st class stamp tackling a blaze and a firefighter wearing specialist clothing and breathing apparatus to deal with a chemical incident on the 54 pence stamp.

Huw Roberts, Director of Welsh Affairs, Royal Mail Group said the stamps "highlight the courage and bravery of our firefighters."