A postwoman clung to the bonnet of her work van for nearly a mile as it was driven off by a thief — only to be suspended by Royal Mail for leaving her keys in the ignition.

Residents of villages near Wolverhampton where Julie Roberts did her rounds are now demanding her reinstatement, saying the post worker “risked her life for the job”.

The 51-year-old, who is 5ft 1in and suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, clung to the van’s windscreen wipers as it was driven off in School Road, Trysull.

It was abandoned minutes later at the Coach House, on Seisdon Road, and post was stolen from the passenger seat. The thief, believed to be aged in his 20s, fled in a silver Vauxhall Corsa containing the numbers 0 and 3 in the registration.

Supporters of Julie have distributed letters throughout Trysull, Seisdon and Claverley urging residents to protest to Royal Mail.

The letter states: “Julie has worked for Royal Mail for 20 years and has always provided a friendly, reliable and helpful service.

“Julie jumped onto the bonnet of the mail van before it drove off and remained in that position as it was driven three quarters of a mile at great risk to her own safety, preventing the van being stolen.”

Andrew Tildesley, owner of The Plough Inn, on School Road, said today: “Julie risked her life for her job and I think it is wrong she has been suspended.”

Rev Jeanette Hartwell, from Trysull’s All Saints Church, said: “I understand that procedures have to be followed by Royal Mail, but I sense from a lot of people in the village that they want her to be re-instated.”

Julie, of Bull Lane in Wombourne, declined to comment but a family friend said today she was “absolutely devastated” at her suspension, adding: “She has given 20 years of dedicated service and has been doing that round for 10 years. She has basically been told she will lose her job.”

Royal Mail is investigating the theft, which happened at around 10am on April 13.

Any witnesses to the theft should call 0300 123 4455.