NORTHAVON MP Steve Webb has been meeting up with postal workers in Yate and Thornbury to thank them for their year-round efforts.

The MP has visited postal workers in the run-up to Christmas each year since he was elected in 1997 to express his appreciation on behalf of local people.

The Yate and Thornbury offices employ 62 postmen and women who deliver to 23,000 households in the two towns and in outlying villages.

Mr Webb said: "Our postmen and women get up early in the morning come rain or shine and have an especially heavy load at this time of year.

"I know that with the growth of internet shopping their sacks can be especially full and I am grateful to them for all that they do."