Make-over for oldest post box in the UK in Holwell,

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Make-over for oldest post box in the UK in Holwell, near Sherborne in Dorset http://www.westerngazette.co.uk/Make-ol ... story.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The oldest working post box in the country has been given a make-over by Royal Mail.

Made by John M.Butt & Co from Gloucester, the unusual octagonal pillar box at Barnes Cross in Holwell dates back to the Victorian era.

It was commissioned by Anthony Trollope, Surveyor of the Western Division of the Post Office in 1853.

West Dorset District Councillor for the villages surrounding Sherborne, Chris Loder, requested Royal Mail give the post box some attention after he noticed the 'village mascot' was falling into a state of disrepair at the end of last year.

He said: "The Barnes Cross post box is an icon of the village with huge historical significance. It is unfortunate that Royal Mail have let the post box get into a poor state, but I was very pleased that they responded so promptly when I asked them to refurbish it."