ROSSENDALE postie Jimmy Eaton is facing disciplinary action from Royal Mail after he appeared on the front of a Conservatives Party newsletter wearing his uniform.

Today the postal worker - who is a Conservative councillor in Rossendale - said he was unaware of the publication.

But the Valley's Labour MP Janet Anderson branded the action "irresponsible" and accused the Tory party of using Coun Eaton to make political gains.

She said: "I was shocked to discover that the Conservative Party is distributing a newsletter in my constituency featuring a photograph of the Conservative candidate with Coun Jimmy Eaton wearing his Royal Mail uniform.

"I am advised by the Royal Mail that this is in direct contravention of Coun Eaton's contract of employment and that they are now considering disciplinary action."

The MP went on: "I understand that Royal Mail have advised that no further copies of this newsletter should be distributed in the Valley.

"I do hope that Rossendale Conservatives will heed this warning and cease their attempts to use local people for their political ends. Coun Jimmy Eaton is undoubtedly a stalwart of our Rossendale community and raises a great deal for local charities. It would be a great shame if he were to be used by the Conservative party for political purposes."

Jimmy, who is famous throughout Rossendale for his annual pensioners' Christmas parties, has run, cycled, and swam as well as organised sportsman's dinners, auctions and music extravaganzas to raise cash for charities, organisations and individuals who have asked for his help.

The Greensclough ward councillor said: "I didn't know anything about this. I haven't even seen the newsletter so until I do I will not comment on something I don't know anything about.

"My employers haven't said anything about it either."

A Royal Mail spokesman said: "We never discuss individual personnel issues. However any complaint about a member of staff is treated seriously and investigated thoroughly, only then will a decision be taken about action deemed appropriate."