Ellie Simmonds' golden postbox unveiled

A golden postbox marking swimmer Ellie Simmonds' double Olympic victory has been unveiled in her home town of Aldridge.

Royal Mail has painted the former red postbox in High Street in recognition of the teen's Paralympic Games success, as she prepares to take to the water and compete for her third title today.

The achievement means her home town has become the first in the West Midlands to boast a golden postbox.

Meanwhile, first class stamps featuring Ellie's image are also being produced.

Visitors to the town were delighted with the new landmark.

Sarah Hughes, aged 37, of Moorfields Close, Aldridge, said she was at the Paralympics on Saturday, but she did not get to see the swimming, however, she said the whole place was "buzzing."

She said: "It's very exciting that the paint box will be painted gold.

"We walk past here every morning with the children on the way to school, it's inspiring a whole new generation."

Clare Cooper, a primary school teacher, from Pelsall, said: "This is fantastic news and an absolute credit for Ellie after her brilliant performance, we are all so proud of her, she really is inspiring a young generation."

Adam Hughes, assistant head teacher at Streetly Academy, aged 36, said: "It will be a permanent reminder of her success and we have that every day to walk past which will inspire every one who walks past to find a sport they are good at."

Experts have predicted the teenager could secure sponsorship and endoresements worth £500,000 on the back of her success.

The postbox unveiling comes on the day Ellie's former school Cooper and Jordan School announced it would be naming its pool after the star.

Learning mentor at the school Wendy Methley, remembers Ellie from her time at the school, where she was a pupil for four years.

Mrs Methley said: "She came back and brought her medals in after Beijing and went into assembly to see the children.

"She was a vibrant girl with a bubbly personality, swimming was her passion." The school is hoping Ellie will return to the site for an official opening of the newly-named pool.

Meanwhile, a postbox in Swansea will also be painted gold later to honour Ellie.

Painting of the postbox on Trawler Road at Swansea marina was taking place today.

Royal Mail also unveiled a special postage stamp to celebrate her first gold medal at the weekend.