A POST box has been stolen from a rural County Durham village.

Mainsforth, near Ferryhill, had only one Royal Mail collection box but now has none after an apparent theft.

The box, which was on the main street, appears to have been dug up sometime between last Wednesday and Thursday, November 1 and 2.

The Northern Echo: GONE: The post box in Mainsforth has been reported stolen to Royal Mail

DUG UP: The post box in Mainsforth has been reported stolen to Royal Mail

It was reported stolen to Royal Mail's local delivery office manager who is now investigating the matter with her team.

The nearest collection box is at Bishop Middleham, outside the Post Office branch.