It’s not just postal workers who have to contend with dangerous dogs during their working week - canvassing politicians are another group which has regular run-ins with uncontrolled canines as they go from door to door.

And that’s one reason Stevenage MP Stephen McPartland signed up to back the Royal Mail’s annual Dog Awareness Week, attending a special drop in session at Westminster to find out more about the issue and changes in legislation introduced last May.

Royal Mail says around eight postmen and women a day are attacked by dogs across the UK - there were 19 attacks recorded in the Stevenage constituency in the 12 months to April.

But the number of attacks has fallen by 10 per cent since new laws made owners more responsible for keeping their animals under control.

Mr McPartland said: “I fully support this important campaign. Dog attacks are a significant issue faced by postmen and women, members of the public and indeed by myself and my volunteers when out leafleting.”

Shaun Davis of the Royal Mail said: “We are pleased that Mr McPartland is lending his support to our important campaign.

“Postal workers are not alone in facing dog attacks – politicians experience the same risk of being bitten by a dog every time they canvass or deliver a leaflet through someone’s door. Nobody should face this hazard while simply trying to do their job.”