A foul-tempered terrier called Scruffy has been sent on an anger management course after a string of attacks on postmen.

He looks like a harmless, if bedraggled, family pet but his lovable looks hide a dangerously short fuse.

Last year Scruffy took a disliking to a village postman and bit his behind as he fled through the gate of owner Jill Bradshaw's home.

Since then Scruffy has chased numerous other nervous posties down the street, once knocking a small girl off her bike in an attempt to sink his teeth into a mailman.

Now the postbus carries a sign on the dashboard bearing the message "Beware Scruffy" just in case any unwary messenger forgets about the pint-sized peril.

Two other painful attacks left him skating on thin ice.

He sank his teeth into the groin of a builder and did the same to a local parish council representative in Weaverthorpe, North Yorks.

Jill realised that he was in danger of being destroyed as a dangerous dog and had to plead with her local council not to take drastic action.

Instead the little Jack Russell was ordered by Ryedale Council to attend an anger management course with dog warden Brian Dunn.

Jill says that although he is a good natured dog, he seems to hate men.

"If he does it again we're worried its going to be the end of him," she says, running a finger across her throat.

"He was being walked by a young girl in the village and was sitting outside the Post Office when the postbus pulled up.

"As the postman walked past he lunged at him pulling the girl off her bike."

The daily postbus, used to ferry letters and residents between Malton and Weaverthorpe, now has a notice stuck to the dashboard warning drivers to "Beware of Scruffy".

As punishment Scruffy, named because he likes rolling in sheep dung, and his owner were ordered to attend an anger management course with the Ryedale Dog Warden.

Jill said: "We were taught that each time we thought the red mist was descending we were to say soothing words to him and stroke him.

"It hasn't worked. We got him as an adult dog and I think he may have been mistreated by his previous owner.

"He doesn't like men. Once you're in the house and he knows you though he's lovely. He's got no problem with my husband and he's great with the kids.

"He is just a very protective guard dog."

Staff at the Royal Mail office in Malton declined to comment.

A spokesman from Consignia said: "We take these matters very seriously when our staff are threatened."