A POSTAL service from the region has been named one of the worst performing in the UK.

The DL postcode, covering Darlington and North Yorkshire, has been found to be the third worst-performing in the country for first class deliveries.

Royal Mail's first-quarter results showed that only 89.8 per cent of first class post in the DL post code is delivered the next working day. That falls below Royal Mail's target of 91.5 per cent.

Every other service in the region met the minimum target, with Ripon and Harrogate, HG, coming out on top with 94 per cent, and Teesside, TS, the second worst-performing, after DL, with 92.7 per cent.

But a Royal Mail spokesman defended the record of the service in Darlington.

He said: "Our staff in the DL postcode area have consistently delivered target-beating quality of service to its customers and during the 12 months ending March 31 this year, 94.1 per cent of first class mail, well above the target of 91.5 per cent, was delivered the next working day after posting.

"During the April to June period, a number of factors, including high sickness levels and flooding, affected performance.

Postwatch Northern England, the watchdog for postal services, was established to ensure that post offices, Parcelforce, Royal Mail and any competing postal providers, give the best service possible to customers.

Judith Donovan, chairman of Postwatch Northern England, said: "The good news is that Royal Mail is on course to meet 11 of its 12 national targets, including first and second class post.

"However, we are concerned that certain areas are falling short. More postcode areas throughout the UK failed the minimum target than in the previous quarter.

"Royal Mail must redouble its efforts to ensure all customers get the service they pay for."

"We will be taking up these issues with Royal Mail and hope they can address the shortcomings swiftly."

The results revealed the best-performing postal service to be Watford, WD, with 96.7 per cent, whilst the worst in the UK was found to be at Kirkcaldy, KY, and Borders, TD, each with 85.9 per cent.

For more information, visit Postwatch's website at www.postwatch. co.u