POSTAL workers have announced new 48-hour strikes which will stop delivery services in Inverclyde in the run-up to Christmas.

The Communication Workers Union say workers will walk out on November 24 and 25 - the latter date being so-called 'black Friday', the biggest shopping day in the calendar.

Posties will also go on strike on November 30 and December 1, just two days after what has become known as 'cyber Monday', one of the busiest online shopping days.

The CWU has branded Royal Mail's offer of a seven per cent pay rise as 'derisory'.