MOLLIE the Yorkshire terrier is around eight inches tall, barely 15 inches long, weighs little more than a football, and is “a lazy little devil” who loves snoozing on the carpet.

Visitors to owner John Austin’s home are more likely to be licked to death than bitten - but so fearsome did she seem to a new postman that for several weeks no mail was delivered to his address in Pontnewydd, Cwmbran.

Mr Austin, 61, suffered his sixth heart attack early in May and, unable to drive until this week, has not been getting his mail - which regularly includes hospital appointments - often for days at a time.

After failing to get Royal Mail to understand his plight and send someone to see eight-yearold Mollie for themselves, in desperation he contacted the Argus for help.

Now following a visit from a Royal Mail manager and the postman concerned, regular deliveries will be resumed.

“I’m very relieved because Mollie hasn’t been a problem to anyone,” said Mr Austin, who also has diabetes and lung disease.

“She barks sometimes but that’s just excitement and curiosity. She’s not territorial.

The postman who used to come made a fuss of her, and she recognises the uniform.

“She wouldn’t hurt anyone. I have my grandchildren over and there isn’t a problem, or she wouldn’t be here.”

A Royal Mail spokesman said the problem has been resolved to Mr Austin’s and the postman’s satisfaction.

“We would like to point out the majority of dog owners are very responsible when it comes to keeping our delivery staff safe.

"We therefore appreciate it when dog owners take extra care to keep their pets under control,” she said.