A POPULAR Brockley postman is to be lowered into his grave to the theme tune of his favourite game show Countdown.

Peter Burton, 69, died suddenly in his armchair at his home in Wickham Road on May 3, in front of his wife Christina, 59.

Mrs Burton said her husband, a postie of 13 years, had been unwell after suffering intestine problems.

Paramedics had battled in vain to save him for an hour and 20 minutes.

His wife likened him to the famous children's television character Postman Pat, as he was an "avid cat lover" who died surrounded by his beloved pets.

Mrs Burton said: "He was well-known in the area. He was a good old-time postman and would go out in rain and snow with his sack on his back.

"He used to feel proud wearing his postman’s cap and that is going to go on his coffin."

The soundtrack to his funeral, which takes place at Honour Oak Crematorium on June 1 at 2.30pm, also includes his favourite artists Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and Elton John.

Mrs Burton said: "We have got happy thoughts of him. He was a well-known character and very funny.

"Although we are mourning we are going to celebrate his life not grieve."

Mr Burton, a grandfather of six, gained a Long Service Award in 1999 for his work as a Brockley postman and retired in 2003.

Following his funeral there will be a wake at Brockley Social Club from 3.30pm.

For more information contact Reverend William Dunphy on 020 8691 7943.