14 Worcestershire post offices have begun offering customers the chance to send packages using parcel delivery service Evri.

The move marks a major change in the Post Office's 360-year history, with branches which now providing the option of using carriers, such as Evri and Royal Mail, directly over the counter for the first time in its history.

The partnership, which was announced in November, sees customers now able to send, collect and return parcels at more than 2,000 Post Office branches across the country during the festive season and beyond.

<hr>

Read more: 'Dystopian' sounds heard in Worcester ahead of Victorian Fayre

<hr>

For the first time, Evri customers can personally hand their parcels to a Post Office team member, making the service accessible to those who struggle with self-service devices.

This partnership broadens Evri’s reach with about 11,000 locations across the UK, equalling the number of Post Office branches.

About 95% of people residing in urban areas will find themselves living within 1 mile of an Evri ParcelShop or locker.

The initiative is expected to not only draw people back to high street shops but also lessen the environmental impact of van deliveries and their multiple stops.

It is estimated that sending parcels through a ParcelShop or post office can reduce carbon per parcel by 45%.

With most ParcelShops and post offices operating within extended hours compared to traditional retailers, the in-branch services offer convenience, especially for customers who are not always at home to receive deliveries.

The 14 Worcestershire post offices now offering Evri services are: Mount Pleasant, Tenbury Wells, Wolverley, Furze Lane, Areley Kings, Fernhill Heath, Birchen Coppice, Robeson Close, Warndon, Batchley, Franche, Barnards Green, Church Hill, and Wythall.

In view of the coming Christmas season, Evri has set the final dates for parcel sending for delivery attempts before the holiday: couriers will still collect on Tuesday, December 19 and standard delivery from a ParcelShop will be available until 11am on Wednesday, December 20, whereas next day delivery will be offered until 11am on Thursday, December 21.

David Saenz, chief growth officer at Evri, said: "We’re pleased to give local people more choice and convenience when sending a parcel."