SHUTTING down across the rest of the country, Salisbury Scouts strive to keep the Christmas Post tradition.

With other scout groups stopping their Christmas post service, Salisbury Scouts is thriving and looking forward to its 30th year.

The Christmas Post, which occurs from October to December every year, sees the scouts sell stamps and then deliver Christmas cards at a bargain price of 40p.

This raises vital funds for the Scout District, the Campsite Fund and the scout groups themselves.

The sorting office in full swing (Image: Mark Warner) John Wyeth, District Explorer Scout Commissioner and Scout Christmas Post Organiser, said: "Scouts have been delivering Christmas cards in our area since 1994. [In] the first post we delivered 5,496 cards and last year we delivered 40,389.

 "I would like to thank all our supporters who purchased stamps and those that assist us with deliveries."

He continued: "It is time-consuming for volunteers, but a worthwhile event as it is a fund raiser and, hopefully, supports our community in a small way.  So, again, thank you to everyone."

The Christmas Post is returning for its 30th year (Image: Mark Warner) For three days in December the Salisbury Scout HQ at Dennis Marsh House in Westminster Road is converted into a sorting office and becomes a hub of activity.

Boxes for the cards to be posted are placed around the local area in locations such as the Tourist Information Office, at Southons.

The local Cubs and Scouts have an annual competition to design stamps for the following year.

Mark Warner Assistant District Commissioner said: ''Each year it is amazing to see the District Scout Headquarters transformed into the main sorting office and becoming a hive of activity. 

"Not only does this raise vital funds for the Scout Groups and District, but it is also a great activity to provide a service to the local community."