WHEN postman Clive Loveday's son died on New Year's Eve 2005, he didn't want it to be in vain.

The 50-year-old set out to warn teenagers in the town about the dangers of binge-drinking.

And he has just been named Community Postman of the Year for all his hard work.

The award is part of Royal Mail's 1st Class People Awards, which recognises postmen and women who make a difference in their community.

Matthew Loveday, who was 19, died on New Year's Eve after drinking a mixture of spirits and other drinks at a party.

Since then, Clive, of Hythe Road, Old Town, has toured schools and colleges in the town explaining to students the dangers of binge-drinking.

He has also appeared on TV and radio programmes across the country.

TV presenter Lorraine Kelly presented Clive with his award at a special ceremony in London. "It is wonderful to get this recognition from Royal Mail," said Clive, who works at the Hawksworth delivery office.

"This award means so much to me and I shall never forget it.

"Everyone at Royal Mail has been so supportive since news broke of Matthew's death.

"The staff at Hawksworth had a collection for me and the money was used for a plaque on his grave."

As part of his prize, Clive received a cheque for £1,000.

He is putting the money into a fund in memory of Matthew.

"The money will go into a trust in Matthew's memory and will be used to improve the quality of talks I give at schools and colleges," he said.

"Hopefully it will also help me put his story out around the world and make people realise you can have a good time drinking alcohol and not end up in hospital."

Clive shares the title of Community Postman of the Year with Islington postman Dave Ryan, who has worked as head coach of the Times Amateur Boxing Club for the last 38 years.

Lorraine Kelly said: "Listening to the bravery stories makes Royal Mail sound like the fourth emergency service but postmen and women make it more than that.

"Our postmen and women are a group of very remarkable people who contribute so much, with acts of kindness, a huge amount of fundraising, and a commitment to volunteering which makes such a difference to the local communities where they live and work."