Card 'better late than never'

A retired couple in Essex have received a Christmas card from old friends - 21 years after it was sent.

Ron and Kathleen Gutteridge, from Fearnley Road in Benfleet, were astounded when a card from their old friends, the Taylors, fell through the door last Saturday.

Attached to the belated card was a note from the Royal Mail apologising for the delay.

Mr Gutteridge, 73, said: "It is ironic really, because the last time I spoke to the Taylors was 20-odd years ago.

"It was lovely to receive the card though; it's better late than never, in my book."

The note attached to the card from Royal Mail said: "I am sorry that the enclosed item addressed to you has been damaged while in our care.

"Although we do all we can to prevent such damage it does occasionally occur due to the vast volume of mail processed."