THE Royal Mail Roadshow is coming to Swindon in a bid to spread awareness of Christ-mas posting dates.

Posties expect to handle more than 2.5 billion cards and letters this Christmas.

Highlighting the last posting dates for Christmas cards going overseas will be Pierre, complete with beret and baguettes, and Conchita, dressed as a Spanish dancer.

The latest recommended international posting date for Europe is December 14.

Closer to home, cards and letters for the UK must be sent by December 18 for second class, and December 21 for first class.

The roadshow will be at the McArthur Glen Designer Outlet next Friday.

The team will be giving away postbox-shaped fridge magnets with the details of Christmas post dates on them and visitors will be able to enter competitions to win festive hampers.

There will also be daily prizes of first class Christmas stamps.