Tue, 9 Sep 2008 10:33

Postal workers are to be fitted out with a new uniform after a recent trial proved successful.

The new uniform includes customised polo shirts with the Royal Mail logo, fleece jackets for winter, summer hats and branded cycle helmets.

Waterproof jackets will be provided for postmen and women and new trousers which include pockets designed to carry new handheld delivery computers will also be issued to staff.

The uniform redesign is the first in almost ten years and will replace the existing shirts and trousers which were introduced in 1999.

Bob Taylor, national uniforms manager at the postal organisation, said: "The distances our postmen and women cover on their delivery rounds means they need something that stands up to the demands of the job and which keeps them warm and dry whatever the weather."

Trials have already taken place in Brighton, East Sussex and parts of Surrey, where staff said the uniforms gave them a sense of pride.

The polo shirts, fleeces and waterproofs will be phased in to all regions over the next 18 months at a total cost of £50 million.