Paper runners for the Bay will be missed

It's the end of an era for the Bay of Plenty Times runners who have delivered their last papers.

Delivery girl Marcia Spanswick, 13, has become a treasured part of the Matua community after spending the last two years dropping papers to her neighbours after school.

She said she had enjoyed her time on the job and was hoping to pick up another delivery round.

"I've enjoyed doing the delivery because it's fun and I got to know my subscribers.

"I'm going to miss seeing all my subscribers because I've built up relationships with them."

Her subscribers were so appreciative of her service that a number of them had given her a farewell gift.

"Some people have given me money and chocolates, it was really nice of them.

"People have been saying thank you and that they've enjoyed me doing the run. Hopefully I can get another job like this because I've enjoyed it."

One of her subscribers, Campbell Mason, said Marcia had been the best paper girl he'd had.

"She's very personable, she's always happy and the paper is always on time. I have no complaints whatsoever. If she goes through the rest of her life like that, she will succeed."

Bay of Plenty Times general manager David Mackenzie said saying goodbye to the delivery children was a real shame.

"It's a real shame that we are at the end of an era for employing children to deliver the Bay of Plenty Times. We have received significant response from many of our subscribers who speak very highly of our runners going the extra mile when delivering their paper and being great ambassadors for the Bay of Plenty Times.

"They have played an important role in our community. From simply delivering a friendly smile and hello to our subscribers to rescuing someone in need. We thank them for their dedication and professionalism to their work - rain, hail or shine. We've had to make this move due to changing times and wish all our delivery runners the very best for the future."