IS there such a thing as first class post any more?

Last Tuesday lunchtime I posted a Father's Day card to my dad at the main post office in Golden Square.

It had a first class stamp on it.

On Saturday, it still hadn't arrived.

He lives in Somerset - Stephen Bailey could have cycled there quicker and hand-delivered it for me!

Fortunately, I had ordered him (my dad not Stephen) some champagne and chocolates from Marks and Spencer to be delivered on the day I requested (which was Friday).

I didn't even had to pay any extra delivery charge.

Now, they arrived safely, splendidly gift-wrapped complete with message attached that I had typed in when I ordered them over the Internet.

So if Marks and Spencer can do it, then why can't Royal Mail?

I'm also waiting for two CDs to be delivered from another firm. They were supposed to be for my husband for Father's Day - they didn't arrive either.

I have used this company many times before and they have always been efficient - so again it must be the post.

How can the Royal Mail claim that this is a 'first class service' when it's anything but?

I've noticed that when you go into the post office to send a letter or a parcel, they will always offer you the Special Delivery service so that the item has to be signed for.

But why should we have to pay extra for this service to send a simple card or a letter?

It's crazy.