CUBS, beavers and scouts across North Somerset are at the ready to deliver 10s of thousands of Christmas Cards to friends, colleagues and loved ones before December 25.

For the 18th year running dedicated members of 1st Clevedon Scouts, are preparing to distribute festive cards, in one of their main fundraising events of the year.

The group usually brings in excess of £1,300 and organisers are hoping that it will be as successful, if not more so, than previous years.

Group scout leader Terry Banks, who has two sons who are members of the cubs and beavers said: "We really hope the people of Clevedon continue to support this service as they have done in the past.

"The more support we get the more support we are able to give to cubs and scouts, subsidising trips and activities.

"If we raise enough money we hope to use some of the money raised to go towards a camping trip next year."

Paceprint, which is based in Kenn Road, has sponsored this years Christmas Post service.

Stamps costing 20 pence and boxes to place the cards in are at Paceprint, Cut 'n' Curl, Cafe Solo, Rowlands Pharmacy, Dolland and Aitchison opticians, Six Way Sports, Studio 2 and Kenn Road Stores.

Cards will then be sorted at the Clevedon scout hut, before being delivered.

The last collection date is Saturday, December 19.

Scout groups in Nailsea and Backwell will also operate their Christmas Post service for the 11th year running.

Last year more than £10,000 cards were delivered by 1st Nailsea, 2nd Nailsea and 1st Backwell Scouts groups, in the fundraiser that is loyally supported by Pring & Co estate agents.

The stamps, which feature the festive motto "Ho Ho Ho with Pring & Co, cost 15 pence.

Because Pring & Co covers all the printing costs and other expenses, all the money raised will go directly to contributing to fun and adventurous activities as well as other local causes.

The scheme operates through a network of 'post offices' which sell stamps and host posting boxes. Sorters then collect and frank the envelopes before they are put into rounds and delivered by Christmas Eve.

Delivery is guaranteed in Nailsea, The Elms at Wraxall, and Backwell, though not Downside, by December 24 if names and full addresses are clearly written.

In Backwell post offices operate at the garage, library, Backwell Barbers, Backwell Computer Centre and Rodney Road Vets.

In Nailsea they are at Hunter Leahy estate agents, Nailsea Library, School Togs, Budgens garage, Kingshill Corner Stores and Premier Stores.

They are available from now until final collection post which is at noon on Saturday, December 19.

Stephen Pring, of Pring & Co, said: "I have been associated with this fantastic local scheme since starting it with the scouts in 1998 and I am a huge supporter of everything that the Scout movement embodies.

"Rest assured that by taking part, you are contributing towards the excellent work and activities of local children and young adults in the Scout movement, as well as local charities."

A scheme will also operate is Long Ashton with post boxes located at the Library, The Little Tipple, the Chemist's, Cox's Shop and The Farm Shop, from December 7 until 5pm on Friday, December 18. Stamps cost 20 pence each and will be delivered between December 19-23.