THREE postmen have been sacked after an inquiry into alleged name calling at a Royal Mail delivery office.

The dismissals were revealed as another postman, sacked as part of the same investigation last year, began a legal fight against his former employers for unfair dismissal.

The three workers at Blackburn Delivery Office, Canterbury Street, were dismissed on Monday following a four-month inquiry and are set to appeal against the decision.

They had been suspended in October, weeks after postman Christopher Eccles was sacked as part of the same investigation.

An employment tribunal case brought by Mr Eccles was listed to be heard at Alexandra House, Manchester yesterday, but was adjourned to a date yet to be fixed.

At the time of his dismissal, Mr Eccles, a postman with 17 years experience, was said by a colleague to have been dismissed over a "trivial comment made in jest."

The action followed a complaint from another member of staff, unions said.

The latest sackings follow an investigation by post bosses which saw them interview members of staff at the delivery office.

About 200 postmen are based at the delivery office.

Royal Mail and the union representing the men refused to talk about the circumstances surrounding the sackings.

Steve Joss, branch secretary of the East Lancashire branch of the Communication Workers Union said: "Three postmen have been sacked.

"They will be appealing against the decision. They are unhappy and the union will be representing them."

A statement from Royal Mail said: "We don't discuss individual personnel issues.

"However, Royal Mail has a zero tolerance approach towards unacceptable behaviour and there is a robust disciplinary process, agreed with the union, which is subject to independent appeal."

At the time of the suspensions, a Royal Mail spokesman said it had a "rigorous policy of respect for everyone and zero tolerance towards any form of harassment."