PEOPLE in Teesside are being urged to crack postcodes in time for the Christmas rush.

Royal Mail is urging people to make sure they have the correct postcodes for all their family and friends across the country.

Nick Morgan, area manager for Royal Mail on Teesside, said: "The postcode is essential if mail is to be delivered quickly and efficiently, particularly during the busy Christmas period.

"Using the postcode means letters can be sorted using our high-tech equipment, which is 20 times faster than by hand.

"Therefore, if customers use the correct postcode on all their cards this Christmas, we will be able to ensure they reach their destination as quickly as possible."

Postcodes were introduced by Royal Mail more than 30 years ago, to make sorting and delivery faster and more efficient. Each code is unique to an average of 15 addresses.

When letters are collected, they are taken to the nearest mail centre for that area.

The first part of the postcode ensures the mail is sent by the quickest route, be it road, rail, air or sea, to the relevant delivery office. Once there, the second part of the postcode means mail can be sorted right down to the postman's walk.

Last year, Royal Mail delivered 2.5 billion cards and letters in the run up to the festive season, and is expecting to deliver even more this year.

The last posting dates for Christmas are Monday, December 18, for second class mail, and Thursday, December 21, for first class mail.

To find a postcode call Royal Mail's hotline on 08457 111222, or check the website at www.royalmail.com