THIS eye-catching post box has become a talking point in Lodge Road, Parkstone.

But rest assured, the Royal Mail hasn't abandoned decades of tradition to replace pillar box red with glittering gold.

One passerby said: "It looks like someone has been having a bit of a laugh.

"I've seen the odd bit of graffiti on mail boxes in my time, but nothing like this."

A Royal Mail spokesman said: "This is an act of vandalism and we would urge anyone with information to contact the police as soon as possible.

"We will be arranging for the box to be returned to Royal Mail red as soon as possible."