1:35pm UK, Tuesday July 26, 2005

A flock of man-hating seagulls which dive-bombs male posties has forced Royal Mail bosses to use female staff on the delivery route.

The birds have knocked one postman off his bike and and sent another running for cover.

180 seagull bird gull flight 20/11/02

On the prowl for posties

But when a female colleague took up the challenge and went on the round in Highbridge, Somerset, she was was left alone by the gulls.

The Royal Mail is now using women whenever possible for the route.

A spokesman said: "Our regular postman went to attempt a delivery at a couple of houses and was dive-bombed by some very feisty seagulls.

"I think the manager thought he might be telling a tall story but whenever we get a report like this we do a health and safety risk assessment.

"The manager got knocked off his feet and isn't quite as mocking any more. He had to make a run for it after falling to the ground.

"Strangely though, when a woman did the same round last week they took no notice at all. They don't seem to see her as a threat."

Experts believe the birds are being protective during nesting seasons, but their defensiveness may ease as the chicks mature in coming weeks.

Along with seagulls, and aside from the normal problem of dogs, posties in the region are also pestered by territorial pheasants.