Ellie Simmonds's gold postbox put under night spotlight

Ellie said the golden box reminded her of an "unforgettable year"

A postbox painted gold in honour of Paralympian Ellie Simmonds has been put under a spotlight so it can be lit up throughout the night.

The box in Aldridge was painted gold for the swimmer in September after she won four medals, including two golds, at London 2012.

Walsall Council said it had lit up the box to "get even more attention as the light brings it out of the shadow".

Ms Simmonds, 18, described the spotlight as "another nice touch".

"The golden postbox is a lovely reminder of an unforgettable year and I'm thrilled it's in my home town of Aldridge as the support I've had from all over the borough has been amazing," she said.

Postboxes were painted in the hometowns of every gold medal-winning Team GB Olympic and Paralympic athlete last year.

The council said it worked with Amey, who maintain Walsall's street lights, to install the new floodlight in Aldridge.

Councillor Tom Ansell said: "The whole borough was behind the Great Britain team last summer in the Olympics and Paralympics but there was an even louder cheer when Ellie Simmonds competed.

"She's a smashing girl and a real credit to Walsall and the golden postbox and this light will ensure we don't forget her."

Royal Mail announced in November the 110 repainted postboxes in Britain would remain gold permanently.