Southbourne residents are rubbing their eyes in disbelief as the colour of a Royal Mail postbox continues to change.

From its original iconic red, to black, and now to cream the Southbourne Road box is a mystery both to residents and to the Royal Mail itself.

The box, on the corner of Arnewood Road, was black for a number of days before being transformed overnight.

Resident Christine Barrett said: “I’m hoping readers of the Daily Echo might have an explanation for this – I am curious.

“When it was black I thought perhaps someone was depressed about something but I can’t think why it would be painted cream.”

A number of postboxes across the UK were painted gold during the Olympics , mainly in the home towns of medal winners.

But a spokesman for the Royal Mail said they could think of no reason for a black or cream post box.

“We are aware of the postbox on Southbourne Road, Bournemouth, being painted by parties unknown,” said Nick Martens.

“We are unaware as to any reason for this and will be restoring the box to its iconic red colour shortly.”

Resident Joan Baker said: “I didn’t mind the gold boxes in the Olympics but this is just silly – someone is playing games.”

And passer-by Maureen Symes added: “I would like to know why somebody has done this – there must be a reason. I can’t wait to see what colour it is tomorrow.”