ALMOST all mail in Chard, Ilminster and Crewkerne letterboxes was left undelivered last Friday as postal workers took part in the first national strike in 11 years.

They were protesting at Royal Mail modernisation plans, which they say are affecting services, jobs and posties' pay.

But despite the 24-hour strike, the Royal Mail said on Monday there was no backlog of post in the TA postal area.

Kevin Beazer, regional secretary of the Communication Workers' Union, which organised the strike, said: "It went really well. We had over 90% support and there was effectively no postal service on Friday.

"We will assess the situation and if the Royal Mail is not coming back and talking we will then end up with more strike dates, which we could end up naming this week.

"It's not just about a pay rise. It's about defending the industry and the public's post offices."

Royal Mail spokeswoman Jane Thomas said: "All mail sent on Friday was sorted over the weekend.

"We had managers delivering special delivery items but standard mail was not being delivered.

"We have not been given any more dates for strike action but our doors are always open for talks.

"We do not want a strike. It's damaging for everyone - for our staff and customers."