RESIDENTS in almshouses are searching for a post box that went missing nine months ago.

Since September, the 150 residents of the 25 almshouses in Kirkleatham have been awaiting the return of their post box after it disappeared overnight.

The options for the pensioners, aged between 70 and 90, and people in the village's 15 houses, is a one-mile walk to another box or a bus into Redcar.

Almshouses warden Sheila Simpson said their postman had done his best to look after the residents.

She said: "Most days he will collect any outgoing mail on behalf of our residents."

Now, the residents are calling for the return of their postbox.

Almshouses officials said they were told by Royal Mail that the box had been vandalised and would be replaced in eight weeks.

When another box failed to arrive, residents were told the company was considering resiting it.

Clerk to the trustees John Davies said: "We could not see any advantage in relocating the box as it was conveniently mid-way between the village and the almshouses."

A Royal Mail spokesman said it was in consultation with the local authority over a suitable alternative site.

"They are looking for a site for a box to be put where it is less likely to be vandalised."