STOCKPORT, UK: An eight-year-old autistic boy with an obsession with postboxes is celebrating his own special delivery.

Gareth Scott, of Stockport, Greater Manchester, has had a specially adapted pillar box made by the firm which supplies Royal Mail.

They met a request by Gareth's mother, Denise, by making him a smaller version of the official box, for easy reach, with personalised collection times.

His grandfather, Herbie Roberts, said the gesture was "wonderful."

Gareth's language is limited, but one of the words he can say is "postbox," and his mother said his favourite trips out were to see his different examples.

The Stockport-based firm Romec made the box and delivered it to the family's home. The postbox has been personalised for Gareth.

Mr Roberts said: "I was absolutely flabbergasted. I don't know who was more excited - me, Gareth or his mum. It's certainly a wonderful thing that they have done. I'm indebted to them. We are ever so grateful that they have made my grandson a very happy little boy."

The postbox now has pride of place in the back garden.

Nigel Fitzhenry, from Romec, said: "When we got the letter, it was such a lovely letter and we were in a position to make his dreams come true. We couldn't not do it."

(Source: BBC News Online, January 4, 2006)