It is feared strike action at post office branches in Kent this week could disrupt Christmas deliveries.

Staff will stage a walk out today and tomorrow, as well as Christmas Eve, organised by the Communication Workers Union (CWU).

Branches affected include Ashford, Dartford, Faversham, Orpington, Sevenoaks, Sheerness, Sittingbourne, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells.

The CWU has also called for industrial action at the Post Office’s supply chain on 22 December 22 and 23.

Post Office bosses say all branches have the cash and stock they need to operate, despite the strikes.

It follows the Post Office managers' 24-hour walk out earlier this month.

Kevin Gilliland, Post Office’s Network and Sales Director, said: “Experience tells us we can manage this effectively and minimise the impact on the communities who rely on our services.

“It will be business as usual in almost all of our network, with over 50,000 Post Office people on hand to support customers as they make their preparations for Christmas.”

The strike action called by CWU does not involve Royal Mail employees. Royal Mail has informed Post Office that it has robust contingency plans in place and expects there will be little effect on the services it provides.

A Royal Mail spokesman said: "There will be little or no impact on Royal Mail as a result of the CWU strike at the Post Office.

"Deliveries and collections will carry on as normal and the last posting dates for Christmas remain unchanged. Our 120,000 Royal Mail frontline colleagues are not involved in the Post Office dispute.

"Post Office limited has over 11,000 branches which will continue to operate as normal. Customers who need to post at a Post Office should use these branches.

"Royal Mail customers will also continue to have access to Royal Mail services including pre-paid parcel drop- off through over 1,200 Customer Service Points at Delivery Offices nationwide."

December 20 is the latest recommended date for people sending cards and packages by Royal Mail 2nd Class Mail.