Royal Mail has warned Brits to allow "plenty of time" for posting this Christmas. This means posting items and gifts early, particularly for international deliveries. The company wrote on its website: "Last posting dates are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.

"It's always advisable to post as early as possible to ensure that your Christmas letters and parcels reach their destination in good time." In light of that, here are the last Royal Mail posting dates this year.

Wednesday, December 17 - 2nd Class and 2nd Class Signed for

Friday, December 19 - Royal Mail Tracked 48

Saturday, December 20 - 1st Class and 1st Class Signed For

Sunday, December 21 - Royal Mail Tracked 24

Tuesda,y December 23 - Special Delivery Guaranteed

Royal Mail added: "Friday, December 19, is the last posting date for Royal Mail Tracked Returns 48 to arrive back with the sender before Christmas."

Friday, December 19 - express48

Monday, December 22 - express 10, expressPM and express24.

The company continued: "As we approach the busiest time of year, international delivery services experience much higher volumes of parcels and letters. To help ensure your items arrive in time for Christmas, we strongly recommend posting as early as possible.

"You can find a list of our published aims in our Country Guides. If you are sending gifts to the USA, please note that recent changes to customs procedures may affect delivery times."