A local postman has been named as a winner in Wales in Royal Mail's First Class People Award 2010 which recognises posties who go above and beyond the call of duty in their everyday lives.

Chris Williams from Tenby Post Office, who helps organise a charity New Year's Day swim for Saundersfoot Festivities and has raised more than £46,000 in 26 years - never missing one dip in the cold sea - was the winner in the fund-raising section.

Also a finalist in that category was Dorian Rees, from Narberth.

A keen cyclist, Dorian has raised more than £20,000 for a variety of causes, from the British Heart Foundation to Withybush Hospital and Pembs Puffins swimming club.

Welsh fund-raising postman, Chris, will now go through to the national competition to be judged in London at the end of May.

Community champion Gary Richards, said: "It is wonderful news to be chosen and a great honour. We all really appreciate that Royal Mail is prepared to recognise the work that postmen and women do in their own time and with the communities where they live and work."

Satisfied and grateful customers from towns and villages across Wales sent in more than 100 nominations for Welsh postmen and women for the awards, citing incidents of bravery, community spirit and helpfulness shown by their local postie.

The Welsh nominations were reduced to just 10 shortlisted entries, ranging from part-time firemen and coastguards to football and rugby coaches, fund-raising cyclists and mountain climbers. Judges then faced the difficult task of choosing just three winners from Wales.

The three Welsh winners will now travel to London to be presented with £500 and a winner's certificate from Royal Mail managing director, Mark Higson, and BBC's The One Show presenter, Christine Bleakley.

The national winners, chosen from the eight regional winners, will be announced at the UK awards on Monday, May 24.

Geoff Braden, regional operations director for Wales, said: "Chris has shown dedication and community spirit beyond the call of duty and they stand out as shining examples of what we call 'First Class' in Royal Mail.

"This popular award attracts thousands of nominations from customers in the UK, all keen to praise and commend the postmen and women who they feel play an active part in their individual communities.

"The award enables Royal Mail to recognise and reward their efforts and to encourage others to follow suit."

The overall UK Postman or Woman of the Year will be announced at the ceremony, together with the UK winners in each category, who will receive £1,000. The overall winner of the 'First Class People Award' 2010 will also win a £2,000 family holiday and spending money.