Christmas is in the post for mail staff

A CHRISTMAS mailbag of more than 25 million items is expected across the EH postcode, with Royal Mail adding an extra 100 vehicles to the fleet to cope with the festive demand.

And post chiefs are urging customers to send their greetings early to help spread posties’ workload.

Paul Kelly, Royal Mail regional operations director for Scotland, said: “This is the busiest time of year for Royal Mail in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

“Our postmen and women, as well as the extra seasonal staff we have taken on, will be working to collect, sort and deliver the Christmas mailbag to every community in the area. As we do every year, we encourage people to post early and order presents early.”

Last posting dates are: December 20 for 1st class items; December 17 for 2nd class; December 22 for special delivery; December 12 for airmail to Western Europe; December 9 for Eastern Europe, the United States, Canada and Japan; December 5 for mail to the rest of the world.