FESTIVE townsfolk need to get their skates on if they want their festive greetings to arrive on time.

The last posting date for sending Christmas cards, letters and parcels by second class is Monday December 17.

If well-wishers miss the recommended dates they still have time to send merry mail to friends and family by using the first class service.

The latest recommended posting date for first class mail is Friday December 21

Royal Mail have advised residents to take care when wrapping and addressing mail and to include the postcode, to ensure gifts and cards arrive safely and on time.