MP backs calls for loved ones to be able to send Christmas cards to care homes for free

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has written to the Royal Mail, calling for people to be able to send cards and parcels to loved ones in care homes for free for the rest of the year.

It comes as Irish postal service An Post has announced it will carry letters, large envelopes, packets and parcels up to 2kg addressed to residents in nursing and care homes for free until January 31.

Now Tim is backing a Liberal Democrat campaign calling for the Royal Mail to do the same here in the UK

In his letter to Royal Mail, Tim said: "One of the saddest thing during the crisis has been the way that people who live in care homes have been cut off from many forms of communication and contact.

Letters and parcels from loved ones delivered via the Royal Mail has been a God send during this time but I think as we head into a second wave of infections and more restrictions coming into force, we need to do more to keep that vital contact.

"Myself and colleagues in the Liberal Democrats have come across a really great idea from the Irish postal service who have now announced that from now until the New Year there will be free postal delivery to and from care homes. I think this would be a really great thing to do here in the UK.

"It would show that we really care about those in care homes and their loved ones, and it would cement people's view that the Royal Mail has played a big part in keeping family and friends in contact during what has been such a lonely time for so many."