Royal Mail handled 115 million parcels in December as the newly-privatised delivery firm continues to reap the benefit of the online shopping boom.

The company's seasonal workload, which saw a peak of 10 million parcels on its busiest day, also included a rise in stamped mail volumes as Britons remained loyal to Christmas cards for passing on festive good wishes.

Letter volumes were also boosted by the high level of mailings from energy companies following a round of price rises in the sector. Chief executive Moya Greene said: "Our postmen and women have again delivered Christmas for the UK."