Gordon Banks, MP for Ochil and South Perthshire, made his annual Christmas visit to staff in Royal Mail's Alloa sorting office last week to thank them for their hard work over the festive period.

During his trip, Gordon also met with three posties who are raising money for the Prostate Cancer Charity and have pledged to wear shorts whilst delivering mail over the festive period.

The politician congratulated all three on their venture and agreed to sponsor them.

He said, "The Christmas period is an extremely busy period for our postal workers and I was grateful for the opportunity to add my thanks for the fantastic job they do - not only at Christmas but all year round.

"I was also able to speak to management about the changes in the mail industry, in particular the decreases in the numbers of letters sent but also the increases in parcels - especially at this time of year as presents are delivered.

"The local sorting office and delivery team are responding to those changes and look on course to making this a successful festive period for the local office." Referring to the workers who will raise funds with their feat of endurance, he added, "I'm sure anyone who has stepped outside recently will know what a tremendous achievement this is and all in the aid of a fantastic cause.

"The local posties are carrying sponsorship sheets with them so if you see a short-wearing postie then please consider offering to sponsor them." Royal Mail advise that the last postal deliveries are on Christmas Eve. After that, the next post arrives on Thursday 27 December.