The quick thinking of a Rochdale postmaster ensured that thousands of pensioners received their festive payouts in time for Christmas.
Jagdish Patel, who runs Buersil Post Office in Rochdale, took swift action after the Post Office informed postmasters that, due to a technical issue, pensions for Christmas week would have to be paid out on Christmas Eve.
Jagdish was concerned that as most Post Offices closed at midday on Christmas Eve, this would create impossible queues and leave many pensioners with no money to buy food or presents.
Jagdish immediately informed Rochdale MP Paul Rowen, who later pressed the Prime Minister on the issue in Parliament.
As a direct result of Jagdish's actions the Post Office took steps to ensure that basic state pensions were paid on the Friday before Christmas. "Good sense prevailed," added Jagdish.