Postal workers in Scotland were attacked by dogs more than 200 times last year.

The Aberdeen postcode area had the highest number of attacks with 38.

Royal Mail say even the most placid dog can be dangerous if it feels its territory is being threatened. Owners are advised to keep animals away from the letterbox - and out of the garden when the post is due.

Royal Mail's safety director Dr Shaun Davis said: "One attack is still one attack too many.

"Our research continues to show that attacks happen most often in the summer, so we are continuing our campaign to appeal to customers to help us cut attacks across the UK."

He continued: "I am pleased that the overall dog attacks numbers continue to fall, but I am still very concerned that in some postcodes attacks are on the increase.

"I am appealing to dog owners to think twice when the postman calls.

"We know that dogs are not inherently dangerous.

"But, even the most placid animal can be prone to attack if it feels it or its territory is being threatened."