A postbox in Bedminster repeatedly hit by vandalism has been given a rather unusual send off, with poetry, flowers and a message to Rest In Peace.

The familiar red and black icon on the corner of Fraser Street and Windmill Hill Close in Bedminster is set to be removed by the Royal Mail.

People living in the area have taken this to heart and transformed the pillar box by Bedminster train station into something of a shrine.

The box has been wrapped in imitation flowers, vines and leaves, with a bunch of fake red roses have been placed on top.

There are not one but two RIP messages, and if a model of the Virgin Mary wasn't enough, a crucifix has also been placed on top.

A mysterious mourner has placed a note on the box asking passersby to attach their own farewell messages to it.

A passage from a WH Auden poem has also been recreated.

It reads: "And no one will hear the postman's knock/ Without a quickening of the heart. For who can bear to feel himself forgotten?"

A postcard has been attached to the mailbox, which reads: "We'll miss you! Hope you go to a better place..."

The person who devoted so much of their time to the letterbox is a mystery.

A Windmill Hill resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "There was a bit of a party.

"People were chanting and dancing around it."

The unique tribute attracted a lot of attention on Monday morning, with a number of passersby stopping to say they will miss it.

Joan White, 80, of Windmill Hill, said: "I've got no idea who's done this, I saw it and thought what on earth is going on?

"I must admit I wouldn't use this postbox myself.

"People used to set fire to it, and there's another one in Somerset Terrace.

"It is a shame though, and sad we can't leave things without having them vandalised."

The Royal Mail has not given a date for the removal of the postbox as yet but a spokesman said that it is due to be removed shortly.