Solar-powered postboxes are being rolled out across UK

Royal Mail is introducing 3,500 solar-powered postboxes across the UK, altering the iconic look of the red pillar boxes that have punctuated Britain's streets for nearly two centuries.

In the new design, solar panels on the top of the postboxes power a digitally-activated drawer, allowing customers to deposit small parcels.

Items as large as a shoebox can be posted in the pillar boxes, in what Royal Mail says is the "biggest redesign in its 175-year history".

The change comes as Royal Mail is struggling in the face of competition from other delivery companies.