Why there is a white and gold postbox in the city centre

The reason why a postbox in the city centre has been changed from traditional red to white has been revealed.

The postbox, outside the Haymarket Shopping Centre, has been given the new colour scheme by Royal Mail.

The makeover has been carried out to celebrate the fantastic achievements of both the men’s and the women’s England cricket teams.

The gesture is similar to when postboxes were painted gold in cities all over the country after the 2012 Olympics.

England men’s cricket team secured victory in the ICC World Cup – the first time they had won the competition in their history.

The women’s squad became world champions in 2017 for the third time in their history.

‘We would like to thank Royal Mail for their generosity’

There are 15 of the special-edition postboxes in locations all over the country which hosted ICC World Cup events.

Leicester’s own Grace Road held fixtures from the ICC Women’s World Cup in which England proudly claimed the title.

Tom Harrison, chief executive officer of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said: “It is a historic achievement for England cricket to be both the Men’s and Women’s ICC World Cup champions.

“We are very grateful to Royal Mail for honouring our victorious teams and paying a special tribute to the captains Heather Knight and Eoin Morgan.

“We would like to thank Royal Mail for their generosity.”

A dedicated Royal Mail team is transforming the 15 specially-selected postboxes over the coming weeks.

The postboxes are painted white and feature stylised images of a gold cricket bat, ball and stumps.

Decorated for a three-month period, the postboxes will be complemented by a permanent gold plaque.

‘Cricket is going mad at the minute’

The plaque’s inscription will celebrate England cricket’s historic position as joint holder of both ICC Cricket World Cup titles.

Matt Parkes, managing director of stamps and collectibles at Royal Mail, said: “Cricket is truly coming home.

“We are delighted to celebrate the historic achievement of England cricket and celebrate both the England Men’s and Women’s winning teams in 2019 and in 2017, giving England cricket both titles.”

Shoppers in the city centre today said they liked how the box looked.

One said: “I thinks it looks great. Cricket is going mad at the minute and what they’ve achieved is history.”

Another told LeicestershireLive: “It’s great to celebrate such as massive achievement.

“I think it looks great.”

Special-edition sheets of stamps will also be available to purchase displaying images of both squads.

Each sheet will include two 1st Class stamps, and two £1.60 value stamps and retail at £4.60.