Ananova:

A former postman who sent a postcard to his family in 1976 was left speechless when it finally arrived at their home this week.

Roy Haynes said he couldn't believe his eyes when he picked up the mystery postcard and noticed the photograph of a street scene in Brighton.

The card was the one Roy posted to his wife Morleen and their two children, Stephen and Lyn, in 1976 while he was recovering in Hove following a back operation.

Royal Mail bosses said it was still a mystery as to exactly where the card had been for the last 24 years, although they said it may have been delivered to the wrong address, reports the Birmingham Post and Mail website.

A spokesman said they were "obviously pleased that finally the postcard found the customer."

When Roy turned the card, the message was still as bold as ever, despite the postcard being lost in the system for almost a quarter of a century.

He said the postcard would remain a talking point for years and the family were now considering having it framed.

"I was a postman myself once and we always had to turn the mail bags out to make sure letters had not got stuck at the bottom," said Roy.

Dated October 6 1976, and with six-and-a-half pence stamp still on it, the card read: "Dear All. Weather still rough. Gained six pounds already, must stop eating and drinking. Good games room, snooker etc. Take care, love Roy."