Isle of Man Post Office has announced a 2p reduction in the local rate of postage for Christmas cards.

The reduction in postage, which applies to members of the public who post cards with stamps, will be effective from 1st December until the last day of posting, 23rd Deceber.

The reduction in price does not apply to business mail.

Meanwhile to ensure that customers don’t miss out on their festive cards and gifts reaching family and friends this Christmas, the last dates for posting mail have been announced:

4th December:  South and Central America, Caribbean, Africa, Middle East, Asia, Far East (except Japan) Australia, New Zealand and operational BFPOs.

10th December: USA, Canada, Japan and Eastern Europe.

11th December:  Western Europe.

16th December: Static BFPOs.

21st December:  Letters, large letters and packets to the UK (22nd December for Parcelforce 48).

23rd December: Final day for Special Delivery next-day guaranteed service for both UK and local delivery.

To assist customers during this very busy period, Douglas Sorting Office will be open to post parcels and packages from 10am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, from 7th - 23rd December.

However, items need to be posted before 6.45pm to ensure despatch to the UK and overseas that evening.

Any items posted after this time will be despatched the following day.

Customers should also note that this posting counter will close at 12.30pm on Christmas Eve.

The mail and parcel collection counter at Douglas Sorting Office will also be extending its opening hours:  7am to 9.30pm, from Monday to Friday, from 7th-23rd December. 

To ensure that their parcel is ready for collection, customers are advised to wait until after 6pm before visiting Douglas Sorting Office to collect their item.

Douglas Sorting Office will close at 6pm on both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.