SUB post offices in Droitwich and the surrounding villages could receive a helping hand from the Government, thanks to town MP Peter Luff.

Mr Luff has urged the Government to stop supermarkets from selling cheap stamps.

The Mid-Worcestershire Tory has tabled a Commons question calling for Government chiefs to look into claims that Safeway is selling lower-priced stamps.

Mr Luff claims that selling the stamps could lead to substantially fewer customers for the post offices in the vital pre-Christmas rush.

The question asks Government chiefs to discuss his concern with the chairman of Consignia, the company which controls sub post offices and sells stamps to supermarkets.

Mr Luff said: "There is no objection to customers being able to buy stamps from supermarkets, petrol stations and newsagents.

"But it's just plain wrong for these other outlets to be able to sell stamps at a discount when the sub post offices can't. The Government must act urgently."