THE Royal Mail has painted a post box gold in honour of Olympic gold medallist Peter Charles.

It has also released a commemorative stamp depicting the GB showjumping team who made history on Monday by winning Great Britain's first showjumping gold medal in 60 years (see story left).

The stamp, available now at WH Smith's post office counter in Alton, shows Team GB members Nick Skelton, Ben Mayher, Scott Brash and Peter Charles standing on the Olympic podium, gold medals around their necks.

This was the 17th gold medal stamp issued by the Royal Mail, delivered by a fleet of 90 vehicles to more than 500 Post Offices across the UK.

While Peter Charles has already expressed delight over the gold painted post box, outside Waterside Court in Papermill Lane, Alton, villagers in Bentworth are upset that the post box is not in the village.

They were hoping the chosen location would be on the green at Bentworth.

Asked why the Royal Mail had decided on a post box which is neither in the village where Peter Charles lives nor in Alton town centre where more people could see it, Royal Mail said: "We have painted a post box gold in Alton in honour of Peter Charles. It has created a lot of excitement and a deep sense of pride among local people. We hope that people in and around Alton can join in, in celebrating Peter's remarkable achievement."