EARLY in the morning, just as day is dawning, posties across the town are preparing to spread some Christmas cheer.

In the days building up to December 25, the Milner Street delivery office near Warrington town centre can handle more than 200,000 items including Christmas cards and gifts as well as an average of 20,000 parcels a day.

It is a complex operation but delivery office manager Kenny Gibson says staff prefer this time of year, despite there being no leave in December until the 27th, as they enjoy being busy.

He added: "The Christmas period takes a lot of planning and we know based on historical data and talking to customers when will be the busiest weeks and days to help us get everything out the door.

"The number of parcels can increase to 150 or 170 per cent during some weeks between Wednesday and Fridays after days like Black Friday or Cyber Monday.

"The Christmas rush starts to build from the last week of November and there's a huge peak right before the last posting date for first and second class."

Post is sorted throughout the night at the mail centre in Westbrook before heading to the delivery centre on Milner Street where 270 employees sort cards and parcels into postcode areas and vans are loaded to deliver to 5 to 600 houses.

The biggest issue for delivering on time is traffic and the weather, particularly when show is forecast.

But postman Dave Tickle, who will have worked for Royal Mail for 14 years in May, says he loves his job come rain or shine.

The 35-year-old former Warrington Town player, from lower Grappenhall, added: "Sometimes in the rain and cold it's not much fun.

"But I would much rather walk in the rain than sat in an office being told what to do all day.

"The public are generally really good with us and if you're in a Royal Mail van you'll always find cars will stop and flash you out.

"Kids love it too and you'll hear them shout 'Thank you Mr Postman' after you've done a delivery.

"I love it and wouldn't want to do anything else."

And for those who have missed a special delivery there is good news as a new system for parcels returned to the delivery office, which can be 4 to 500 a day, has now reduced customer waiting time by four minutes.

As one of the busiest delivery offices in the north west, the Warrington centre will also be open on Sundays before Christmas.

To make sure your cards and presents are delivered on time, the recommended posting date for second class is today, Thursday, and Saturday for first class.