Royal Mail has announced its recommended latest Christmas posting dates to get those pressies to family and friends in Europe in time for the 25th.

Economy cards and parcels to western Europe, outside of the UK, including France, Germany and Italy must be in the Royal Mail system by Thursday, November 16 if they are to arrive in time for Christmas Day.

The latest recommended posting date for mail to eastern Europe, including Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Malta and Iceland, is Thursday, November 2.

Andy Pickering, head of network, Royal Mail, said: “In the modern world, it is easy to forget that it can still take a long time to reach some destinations by land and sea.

“We don’t want anyone to be disappointed if they are waiting for Christmas mail.

“As always, we urge customers to post all mail as early as possible as Royal Mail builds up to its busiest time of year.”

Airmail recommended posting dates for around the globe are typically in early December and will be announced at a later date.