TWO schoolboys came unstuck when they tried to post some letters for their mother - and discovered the postbox had disappeared.

Ann Blackledge thought sons James, aged nine, and Adam, six, were playing a first-class prank when they explained why the mail was returned to sender.

But she had to admit they were right after she raced to the end of Grange Lane, in Lower Broadheath, to see for herself.

"I was getting quite annoyed with them because they still had the letters in their hand," said Mrs Blackledge.

"It was pouring with rain, so we ran to the postbox and, sure enough, it had gone. All that was left was a mound of soil. We couldn't believe it.

"The postbox was well-used, so I hope it's replaced. It just makes me wonder why anyone would want a postbox, unless they're interested in what's inside.

"I made a few phone calls to Royal Mail to see if they knew about it. They didn't know anything, but eventually they called me back to say it had been stolen."

A spokesman for Royal Mail confirmed that the postbox was stolen some time during last weekend.

"Obviously, we take this very seriously," he said. "We're working with the police to find out what happen.

"We'd urge anyone who knows anything about this incident to call the police.

"Anyone who's concerned about mail which they posted in the box over the weekend should call the customer service desk on 0845 7740740."