BOLTON residents are being urged to get their presents and cards sent early so they arrive in time for Christmas.

The last recommended posting dates are December 18 for second class mail and December 21 for first class.

Benefits due on December 24 and 25 can be collected from post offices on December 17 and 18, and those due on January 1 can be collected from December 27.

The town's post offices will be open until 12.30pm on Christmas Eve, and until 4pm on New Year's Eve. Local opening hours can be found on the Post Office helpline: 08458 223344.

The town's Post Offices will open on Christmas Eve from 9am to 12.30pm and New Years Eve from 9 to 4 but branch hours will be variable over the festive perod. Customer are being warned to check their local office for times.