Oxfordshire residents are being reminded to post their Christmas cards early this year.

Royal Mail has launched a special postmark which reads "Remember to post early for Christmas. royalmail.com/greetings" to encourage early posting.

The postmark is now being applied to stamped mail nationwide until Thursday, December 19.

With the festive season fast approaching, people are being urged to keep an eye on the last posting dates to ensure their Christmas cards, letters, and parcels reach their destinations in time.

Royal Mail has launched a new postmark to remind people to send their Christmas cards in timeRoyal Mail has launched a new postmark to remind people to send their Christmas cards in time (Image: Royal Mail) The last recommended posting date for second class and second class signed for is Wednesday, December 18.

For first class, first class signed for, and Royal Mail tracked 48, it is Friday, December 20.

For Royal Mail tracked 24, the last recommended posting date is Saturday, December 21, and for special delivery guaranteed, it is Monday, December 23.

Nick Landon, chief commercial officer at Royal Mail, said: "We all have a lot on at this time of year and it’s easy to leave posting cards and presents to the last minute.

"However, the run-up to Christmas is by far the busiest time of the year for our posties and we don’t want anyone to be disappointed by not getting their cards and presents in time for the big day, so we are reminding customers to post by the deadlines.”