WITH Christmas fast approaching, Royal Mail is urging customers to post their mail before the last recommended dates to ensure that parcels, letters and cards arrive with loved ones in good time for Christmas.

For all Second Class mail, Wednesday, December 18 is the last recommended posting date.

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For all First Class mail, the last recommended posting date is Friday, December 20.

Any customers who miss these dates can still use the Special Delivery service up until Monday, December 23.

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Royal Mail is encouraging customers to post early this December, a campaign that they have run since the 1800s to encourage people to beat the Christmas rush and make sure their letters and parcels arrive on time.

To ensure that mail arrives safely, the company is reminding people to make sure that the full address is written clearly on the item of mail, and always that the full postcode is always provided.

Customers should also ensure that the correct amount of postage has been applied to avoid any delays or extra charges for the recipient.

Full information on pricing is available on the Royal Mail website, and at local Post Office branches.