A SURPRISE party in Irvine saw a huge crowd attend to celebrate the retirement of a beloved Bourtreehill postmaster.

Sikander Ali decided to retire after 32 years of service to the post office, and his family decided to hold an event to celebrate him where they invited their whole community to join.

The event was held on Wednesday, September 25 at Bourtreehill Post Office, where over 100 people showed up to show their gratitude.

The queue to thank the former postmaster for his years of work spilled out of the post office, and afterwards everyone was encouraged to help themselves to a buffet provided by the family.

Over 100 people showed up to the event hosted by Sikander's family. (Image: Newsquest) His son Imran Ali said: “Big credit goes to my sister Asma Ali and my sister-in-law Aisha Ali who organised it all behind the scenes as a surprise for my mum and my dad.

"There’s been a lot of preparation, we were working late to set the banners up and the whole family came down.

"My brothers and my sisters stayed till midnight last night to decorate the shop and set it up for the community.

“A big thank you to everyone. It’s been a pretty big turnout, definitely overwhelming for my dad and myself.

"We came from Ardrossan to Bourtreehill, but over the years we’ve become a big part of the community now. The community supports us, and we try to support them back.”

The celebration was meant to be a surprise, but Sikander discovered the plans that morning when he opened up the post office and saw the decorations.

He still plans to keep working and help out at his son's store. (Image: Newsquest) He decided it was time to retire after watching business slow down over the years, but had been keeping it going for the community.

One of the highlights from his time working at the post office was when he tackled an armed robber and threw chilli powder over him.

After retirement, Sikander plans to take it easy and fly to Pakistan for a family wedding.

However, he doesn’t plan to stop working and intends to continue helping out at the supermarket whenever he can.

He said: “I’m really surprised and shocked to see everyone come out here for me. I’m sad to be leaving but I’ve enjoyed my time and enjoyed the community.

The family have been a big part of the Bourtreehill community and are loved by everyone. (Image: Newsquest) “I’ve been doing this for 32 years and it doesn’t feel like working. A highlight of my time here has been seeing all the children come in.”

The building used for the post office will eventually be demolished by the council and turned into housing.

Imran plans to move the post office into his own store and is already working through the application process to become a postmaster himself.