Gemma Doyle, MP for West Dunbartonshire, joined postman Colin Carruthers on his delivery round in the town.

The MP is one of a number of politicians being invited to go out with postmen and women across Scotland to see the challenges faced by Royal Mail delivery staff.

Ms Doyle said: “Postmen and women are a vital part of the community and keep people connected. We sometimes take the postal service for granted but as I saw this week there is a lot of work goes on behind the scenes to make sure we get our letters and parcels.

“I wanted to get a real understanding of the work that goes into delivering the mail six days a week and I’m really grateful to Colin for letting me join him on his round.

“As a postie with 12 years’ experience he knows the job inside and out and it clearly matters to him that his customers get a first rate service.”