Postman Pat is 30 years old - in pictures

Postman Pat and his black and white cat Jess arrived on our screens 30 years ago Photograph: PR

The pair have entertained children ever since. Here Pat and Jess are picking up post for delivery at the local postbox Photograph: PR

Now Pat's doing his deliveries – talking to postmistress Mrs Goggins as he goes about his business Photograph: PR

Here, Pat delivers a parcel to the station master. Jess isn't being much help Photograph: PR

Pat always has time for a chat with the residents of Greendale Photograph: PR

Recently, Pat has been made head of special delivery. When the parcels are too big for the van, Pat now takes to the skies in his Helicopter Photograph: PR

Pat and Jess can also often be seen tootling around Greendale with the bike and side-car Photograph: PR

But sometimes there's still nothing like a van for helping Pat and Jess to get around Photograph: PR