TODAY marks the last day you can send any Second Class post to ensure it gets to its destination for Christmas.

You have until your area's final Royal Mail collection time today to meet the recommended deadline.

The Royal Mail website lists several other recommended posting dates to beat the festive rush.

Those sending gifts and cards First Class, signed for First Class, or Royal Mail Tracked 48 have until your area's final collection time on Thursday to meet the recommended deadline.

This Friday is the Royal Mail' Tracked 24 service deadline and Saturday is the Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed deadline.

Normal deliveries and collections will resume up until Christmas Eve when the usual schedule will change to a Saturday service - where collections only run until 1pm.

There will be no deliveries or collections on Christmas Day or Boxing Day.