SEND your cards early, was the message to Warrington residents as the Post Office released posting dates for the hectic Christmas period.

To get your greeting to a loved one on time, send second class post by December 18 and first class by December 21.

Benefit payments will be brought forward seven days for those due on December 24 to 26 and five days from New Year's Day. Post Offices will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day and only open until 12.30pm on Christmas Eve. Sunday opening times will be discretionary.

For more details, call 08457 223344.