SCOUTS have begun sorting through hundreds of Christmas cards which they will deliver in Derbyshire over the festive period.

The cards and letters have been posted in more than 250 yellow boxes in shops and offices as part the Scout's Stamp and Deliver service.

Now in its 27th year, the idea is simple – special stamps are produced and sold at outlets across the city for 20p. Cards are then posted in distinctive yellow collection boxes at the same outlet.

They are then taken to one of the two sorting offices, in Allestree or Borrowash from where they are collected and delivered by Scout groups.

It has been running since 1982 and has so far raised £82,845 for local charities, including last year's nominated organisations which were Derby Mountain Rescue Team and Derby Kids Camp.

This year, 10% of the money will go to Derby and District branch of the National Autistic Society, which was launched at Pride Park in June. The rest will be split between the 30 participating Scout groups, including Willington, Hilton, Duffield, Belper and Mickleover. Last year 238,639 cards were delivered, raising £3,000.

Bill Hopkinson, of Willington, is joint treasurer of the scheme with his wife, Margaret. He said: "It involves hundreds of people and it is quite a busy two weeks but it is for a good cause and is an important fund-raiser for the Scouts.

"It is a lot of work but it is worthwhile. We just hope lots of people buy the stamps."

Chemical company British Celanese, of Spondon, has donated £750 towards printing the stamps and publicity leaflets.

Mr Hopkinson was keen to remind people that the Scouts could deliver in only certain areas in Derbyshire.

He said: "We had a card for the Pope addressed to the Vatican last year and often have ones for Australia and Spain. We have to put a second-class stamp on, which costs us money."

People have until Wednesday, December 17, to post their cards so the Scouts can deliver in time for Christmas.

The yellow posting boxes are situated in shops, churches and garden centres. The postal service covers the city, Belper and surrounding communities, and villages in South Derbyshire. A full list of locations covered and where post boxes are can be found at www.stampanddeliv er.com or by calling 07930 760 655.