You have written your cards, ticked off everything on your shopping list and wrapped your bounty of Christmas gifts - now don’t forget to send them in time.

Royal Mail have announced their last posting for Christmas 2016 and are urging customers to send cards and parcels ahead of time to avoid the last-minute rush and ensure delivery by Christmas Day. Don’t miss the deadlines - see our guide below for the last recommended posting dates for letters and packages heading to various locations around the world.

Monday, November 28 - operational British Forces Post Offices (BFPO)

Saturday, December 3 - Africa and Middle East

Wednesday, December 7 - Cyprus, Asia, Far East, Eastern Europe, Turkey and Malta

Saturday, December 10 - Australia, Greece and New Zealand

Monday, December 12 - static British Forces Post Offices (BFPO)

Wednesday, December 14 - Czech Republic, Germany, Italy and Poland

Thursday, December 15 - Canada, Finland, Sweden and USA

Friday, December 16 - Austria, Denmark, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland

Saturday, December 17 - Belgium, France, Ireland and Luxembourg

Tuesday, December 20 - 2nd Class and Royal Mail Signed For

Wednesday, December 21 - 1st Class and Royal Mail Signed For

Thursday, December 22 - Royal mail Special Delivery Guaranteed

Friday, December 23 - Special Delivery Saturday Guaranteed