Peterborough's first class posties take on big Christmas rush

Busiest day at the letter sorting office at Werrington for the Christmas post. Letter sorter Edward Harbud EMN-171213-131803009

The team at the sorting office in Papyrus Road deal with more than one million cards, letters and other items every 24 hours this week.

Peterborough Mail Centre plant manager Su Redshaw said: “The team here at Peterborough Mail Centre are working hard every day to ensure that everybody’s letters and parcels arrive in time for Christmas.

“This week is our busiest week, and we have processed over 1.3 million items in the past 24 hours.

Busiest day at the letter sorting office at Werrington for the Christmas post. Les Hydon with letters EMN-171213-131721009

“Our volumes triple each Christmas, and last year Royal Mail delivered 138 million parcels during the Christmas season alone.

“It is really helpful for customers to post early at Christmas.

“They can beat the rush and help us deliver our bumper Christmas mailbag.”

For residents yet to post their Christmas cards, there is still time to ensure they arrive in time for the big day.

Busiest day at the letter sorting office at Werrington for the Christmas post. EMN-171213-131745009

The last posting date for second class items is Wednesday, December 20, and for first class items, the last date is Thursday, December 21.

For special delivery Saturday guaranteed, items can be posted on Friday, December 22 to arrive on Saturday, December 23.

Across the country, it is thought around one billion Christmas cards are sent every year.