BRITAIN'S first new post box for more than a decade is being tested in Whitegate.

It's a trial run for the new design, which is the first upgrading of the traditional box since 1981.

The box is on the main driveway of Vale Royal Abbey, and is one of only 14 prototypes being tested in rural areas around the country.

Royal Mail's area manager, Paul Berwick, said: "The new design is a good balance between being functional and having an attractive design.

"The box will accept more mail, has a bigger aperture and will better serve the needs of our customers, particularly in rural areas."

It's designed to replace the small 'lamp-size' boxes which can't cope with the rural demand any more.

It has a longer lifespan, it's hopefully vandal-proof, and it can take A4 envelopes.

Royal Mail wants to know how the new design is going down among the village community. You can let them know what you think by ringing the Customer Service number, 0345 740740.

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