Grieving Islanders can now write and post letters to their lost loved ones thanks to a new post box at the Isle of Wight Crematorium.

Located within the memorial gardens, the installation of the white 'letters to heaven' post box is timely given Christmas is just around the corner.

As the post box is not owned nor serviced by Royal Mail, letters do not need a stamp nor given an address.

When the post box is emptied, letters will simply be turned to compost to be used in the memorial gardens. 

The post box, which was installed on Monday, is one of the memorials Isle of Wight councillor Karen Lucioni requested when she became a cabinet member.

The plaque  (Image: IWCP) A plaque situated alongside the memorial reads: "Our thoughtful and sensitive process ensures the letters never leave the site.

"Where they are posted and the very special soil; which is created from the letters, helps enhance the ecosystem of our beautiful grounds for all to enjoy."

Every letter posted is treated with the utmost respect and confidentiality, the plaque adds.

Cllr Lucioni said: "I hope this helps everyone younger and older to heal from grief and feel connected to those they miss".