A number of homes across Colchester could be receiving seven-year old mail, prompting fury from one customer.

Local paper the Daily Gazette reports that Dave Smith of Speedwell Road, Colchester, received a 'get well' card posted in 2003, enclosed in a letter from Royal Mail.

According to Mr Smith, Royal Mail said that the card, intended for his son, had been delayed as a result of theft.

He said that, after speaking to a manager at the group, he suspected that "hundreds of people" were affected.

Royal Mail said that the company has a "zero tolerance approach to dishonesty" and would seek to prosecute those that abuse their trust.

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