They're off! The Scouts' Christmas postal service is up and running.

Every night up to December 19, the youngsters from the 1st and 2nd Parkeston group will be spreading some festive cheer as they deliver cards throughout the town.

The service, which has been going for 20 years, covers Harwich, Dovercourt, Parkeston, Tollgate, Ramsey Road, Oakley Road and as far as Mayes Lane, Ramsey. Postage costs just 15p and the money raised from the service will go to Scout group funds.