A man was left flabbergasted after a Giro meant for a woman in Plymouth landed through his letterbox.

Mix-up - Michael Findlay shows off the Giro cheque which was sent to him but should have gone to Plymouth. Picture: NICK OBANK (47929-3)

Michael Findlay, 30, should have had a cheque for his £56.60 disability benefit delivered to his house yesterday but a mix-up meant he got somebody else's handout instead.

Michael, who lives in Cedar Avenue, Tiptree, said: "I couldn't believe it. It is just so strange because Plymouth isn't exactly near to Tiptree.

"It is annoying because it means I can't get my benefit for at least 48 hours until the problem is sorted."

The Department of Works and Pensions (DWP) confirmed there had been a mix up and admitted Michael's case was the tip of the iceberg.

Karen Booth, communications officer for the DWP, said: "We are aware there is a problem and we are trying to find what has caused it. We are not sure how many people have been affected at this stage."

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Published Wednesday, February 22, 2006

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