Father-of-two Robert Stewart from Cupar died in Ninewells Hospital on Sunday, April 13.

He had been off work for the previous two weeks suffering from a sore back.

Mr Stewart's wife Amanda told the Fife Herald she was still in shock following the death of her 43-year-old husband who had led a busy and active lifestyle.

Mr Stewart had worked as a postman for around 25 years, much of this time spent making deliveries in Falkland, Auchtermuchty and Strathmiglo.

Paying tribute to her husband, who was known as 'Bob', she said: "You could not have met a kinder or more caring person.

"He was so well-known and had a smile for everyone."

Mrs Stewart, who is being comforted by friends and family at her home in Oak Vale, Cupar, said the couple's children Laura (12) and Scott (6) were devastated.

"Robert was really well known throughout Cupar," she went on.

"He was born and brought up here and up until a few years ago his dad had George Stewart's the gent's hairdressers in Crossgate."

The Fife Herald's Falkland correspondent Bob Beveridge said the entire village was shocked by Mr Stewart's death.

He said: "Robert was more than a postman — he was a good friend to everyone here and a most helpful person.

"He would always give a smile and a cheery 'hello' and kept an eye on the elderly people he visited on his rounds.

"Robert was a great asset to the village and will be very much missed."

Mr Stewart's employers, the Royal Mail, also paid tribute to his contribution to the company and to the communities he served.

"Royal Mail is deeply saddened to hear of the death of one of our employees from the Cupar Delivery Office," said a spokesperson.

"His colleagues are devastated with the news and our thoughts are with his family and friends.

"He was a well-liked and valued member of staff who had worked with us for over 24 years and he will be greatly missed."

It is not yet known when Mr Stewart's funeral will be as a post mortem will have to be undertaken due to the sudden nature of his death.

Mr Stewart is survived by his wife and children, his mother Isobel, father George and two brothers, Ian and James, who is also a local postman.