POST offices in the North West region will be open as normal on December 20 but some offices will also open, at their own discretion, on Sunday, December 21.

On Christmas Eve post offices will be open 9am until 4pm but closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day. On Saturday, December 27, opening hours will be as normal and on Sunday some offices will open at their own discretion. On New Year's Eve, offices will operate between 9am and 4pm but be closed on New Year's Day. Full details of opening hours can be obtained from the Post Office helpline: 08457-223344.

Benefit payments due on Christmas Eve can be collected on December 19 and payments due on New Year's Day can be collected on December 29.

The last posting date for second class letters in the UK will be December 18. For first class post the last day will be December 20.