A postbox is out of action after opportunistic birds set up home inside it.

Villagers in Breach near Canterbury have been warned not to use the Royal Mail receptacle, so as to avoid disturbing the nesting birds.

The nest was discovered by a postman earlier this month.

A photo he shared on social media showed birds had filled the postbox with soft sphagnum moss.

The Royal Mail says that while it is rare, birds have been known to nest in postboxes before.

One local resident said: "Can't say I blame them. Crows and jackdaws won't be able to eat the babies! Clever birdies."

Another commenter said blue tits have nested in a postbox in nearby Denton "for years".

A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “Our postbox in Breach is currently out of service, as some birds are nesting inside it.

"A sign on the box advises customers of this and explains that the nearest postbox is at Barham Post Office, at Barham Village Hall.

"The postbox has been out of service since April 8, and we are very sorry for any inconvenience caused.

"We cannot say at this point when the postbox will be brought back into service, as we have a legal responsibility never to disturb nesting birds.

"While mindful of the inconvenience to customers caused by the temporary closure of any postbox, we do also understand the pleasure to be drawn from the presence of nesting birds locally, and we hope that they will remain safe throughout their time nesting here."

Find out more about your nearest available postboxes on the Royal Mail's website.