Ellie Simmonds' gold Aldridge postbox to light up at night

A spotlight has been installed at the Royal Mail postbox in High Street to ensure it shines bright whatever time of the day.

The double Paralympic champion has become a household name and the box, repainted after her success at London 2012, has attracted visitors to the town.

Walsall Council has worked alongside its partner Amey, which carries out work on street lights around the borough, to keep the landmark lit up in the dark.

Ellie, aged 18, said: "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.

"It's great that Amey has installed a floodlight there so it can be lit up at night – that's another nice touch."

Aldridge councillor and transport chief Tom Ansell said the scheme was a simple way to pay a proper and lasting tribute to the swimming sensation.

"Many of us remember the sight of the Olympic Torch passing through the borough," he said. "It was a remarkable day that will live long in the memory.

"The whole borough was behind the Great Britain team last summer in the Olympics in London and the 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."

Kevin Grigg, from Amey, added: "We work to light up the whole borough of Walsall and so it seemed fitting that we should offer to help illuminate this permanent reminder of a local girl's success.

"Ellie's medals were a highlight of last summer's Games for people from Walsall, and now her special postbox is highlighted to ensure it can be seen day and night as a tribute to her success."

Hundreds turned out for an open-top bus parade in Walsall last year following Ellie's London success.

Hot on the heels of London 2012, she was also nominated among the finalists for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year and triumphed in a charity edition of the Great British Bake Off.