The life change was partly forced on the pair after 33-year-old Lee was controversially sacked following an incident in which his post van was stolen while he was on his rounds.

Colleague Mick Hodson (42) was so unhappy about his mate losing his job he decided to quit as well and go into business with him.

Lee said: "We decided on a car wash because there isn't one in Oakham. Business has been steady but it is getting better each week. I miss the customers and my work colleagues from my old job but I don't miss getting up at 2.30 in the morning."

Mick, who delivered mail all over Rutland for 21 years, is enjoying the career change. He said: "I was not very happy with the way Lee lost his job.

"You do miss the people you worked alongside at the Post Office but it is great working for yourself."

The pair, who both live in Oakham, say their partners have been supportive. Mick lives with girlfriend Debbie and has two children, while Lee is married to Emily.

Their social lives have improved with no more early morning starts and early evening bed times.

Mick is also a retained firefighter and finds it easier to juggle work with being on call for the call-outs at the fire station in Oakham.

One of his biggest memories on his post round was when he broke his leg in two places while delivering in North Luffenham. "I had to drag myself along the road and luckily a neighbour spotted me and called for an ambulance. I was off work 12 months after that," recalled Mick.

Lee does not miss being attacked by dogs on his round. "I've been bitten a few times but there isn't a postman alive who hasn't."

The new business, which is at the back of Oakham Tyres near the town railway station, is open daytime hours six days a week, Monday to Saturday.