A PENSIONER today hit out at the "disgusting" treatment she has received from the Royal Mail after a gift package she was waiting for "went missing".

Shirley McMillan, of Balmoral Road, Accrington, has been left frustrated after repeated attempts to retrieve the parcel, which was being delivered by Parcel Force couriers.

The 65-year-old, who lives with husband Brian, said she had to travel across Accrington "five or six times" in a bid to retrieve the package containing two valuable watches.

Mrs McMillan has written to complain to Parcel Force, part of the Royal Mail Group plc, and also to Hyndburn MP Greg Pope to try and resolve the problem.

Mr Pope has responded by writing a letter to Royal Mail chief executive Adam Crozier.

Mrs McMillan said: "I am absolutely disgusted with the service I have received from Parcel Force. I have been chasing this delivery around for two weeks. It's a disgrace."

The saga began when she missed a Parcel Force delivery at her home on January 11. Then, a day later, when the courier returned with the package Mrs McMillan was again unfortunate to miss out.

A series of wild goose chases ensued as she was told the package had been dropped off at two different post offices in Accrington and would be available for collection.

Mrs McMillan said: "I have been to the main Accrington Post Office, in Abbey Street, three times, and twice to the local post office in Avenue Parade. But each time when I have been assured by Parcel Force that the package will be there it never is."

A spokesman for Parcel Force said the company believed the confusion had been caused by an incorrect post code on the package, which it had found at its depot in Leyland. He added that the company hoped to be able to deliver the item as soon as possible.

Mrs McMillan is still waiting for the watches. She added: "They are rubbish, it's the only word to describe Parcel Force."