A POSTBOX which was previously painted gold to honour Hannah Mills’ triumph at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics has been returned to its former red colour.

The post box in Elgin Road, Poole, was given a gold lick of paint, thought to be in commemoration of Ms Mills becoming the most decorated female Olympic sailor ever in August.

Royal Mail have confirmed that the gold paint was unofficial and not done by the postal company.

A spokesperson for the company said: “Royal Mail congratulates all British Olympians on their inspirational performance in the Tokyo Olympics. London 2012 was a unique occasion. The UK hosted the games and, as a one off tribute, Royal Mail chose to mark the achievement of our athletes through gold post boxes as well as stamps.

“Royal Mail did not paint postboxes gold during the Rio Olympics in 2016, and has not created gold post boxes for the Tokyo Olympics.”

Royal Mail did not confirm if they had painted it back to its original colour.

Ms Mills won a gold medal in the women’s 470 class at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games retaining her title from Rio in 2016.

The Olympic sailor was given the role as flag bearer from Team GB at the games’ opening ceremony.