DARWEN Scouts and rangers will play postie for Christmas when they hand deliver cards within the Darwen area.

The Darwen District Explorer Scout Unit and Cellar Dweller Ranger Guide Unit become Santa's helpers from Saturday.

The two troops will post Christmas cards at a reduced rate with specially designed stamps for the annual service.

The Scouts and Rangers will delivery to homes and businesses in Darwen, Hoddlesden and Lower Darwen.

Anyone wishing to use the services can buy the special post boxes and stamps for 15p at shops across the Darwen area.

They include: MT Wardrobe, Blackburn Road; The Shop, Inverness Road; Rushtons, Market Hall; Edmund Street off-licence, and Belgrave Carpets, Bolton Road -- who are also the sponsors of the specially made stamps.

People should request the special delivery service by 3pm on Friday. Deliveries will start this weekend.