Sian's express delivery

Sian entered a 'Lucky the Leprechaun' colouring-in contest run by the Shamrock Gift Company who are based in Dublin.

After completing her work of art her entry was eagerly sent-off with a first-class stamp.

The post-card clearly showed the newly coloured in picture alongside Sian's handwriting and her age.

Despite this, the mean-spirited Royal Mail returned the eight year-old's entry to Bexhill because the first-class stamp was a few pence short.

So the Bexhill Observer contacted the Shamrock Gift Company who were only too pleased to send Sian her well-deserved prize. Managing director Michael Dolan said: "Shamrock Gift Company are delighted to offer this consolation prize to Sian.

"We would hope in future, Royal Mail would refrain from defacing these works of art with their stickers."

Sian is seen here with her prize.