A VALUABLE postbox has been swiped from one of Meirionnydd’s main beauty spots.

Thieves used tools to steal the post box, thought to be worth hundreds of pounds, from besides Tal-y-llyn lake last week.

John Caine, co-owner of the B&B The Old Rectory on the Lake, was shocked at the theft.

He asked local residents to report anybody who attempts to sell a Royal Mail postbox, which are used as quirky features in people’s homes and gardens, often fetching prices of £150-£200 on online auction sites.

John said: “Between Tuesday and Wednesday morning last week, the small postbox, which was on a post by the telephone box directly across from The Old Rectory on the lake, was stolen.

“It was discovered missing when our great local post lady, Alison, went to empty it.

Royal Mail spokesperson, Val Bodden, added: “We can confirm that the postbox on the B4405 road, adjacent to the Tyn y Cornel Hotel, Talyllyn, Tywyn, was reported missing by Royal Mail on 6 October.

The theft has been reported to the police and we would urge anyone with information to contact police as soon as possible. We will be replacing this box and we apologise to any of our customers who have been inconvenienced by this theft.”