Around 100 Royal Mail offices will open their doors this Sunday while customers in the South East will also be receiving parcels through their doors.

The pilot scheme will take place in London and parts of the South East, with customers able to collect parcels from about 100 offices, while deliveries will be made to addresses within the M25 motorway.

Royal Mail said the scheme would make it easier for working people to pick up parcels. It follows success trials such as the ‘Delivery to Neighbour’ initiative and later hours at distribution hubs.

Nick Landon, managing director of Royal Mail Parcels, said: “We are continuing to be more customer-responsive and provide more options for people to receive items they have ordered online.

"I am delighted to pilot Sunday afternoon opening at around 100 of our delivery offices across the UK with the highest parcel volumes, and Sunday deliveries to addresses within the M25 motorway."

Royal Mail offices will be open for four hours on Sunday afternoon from midday.

David Selinger, CEO of RichRelevance, said the changes would help independent retailers: “Until now, many retailers have struggled to offer home deliveries to complete the last leg of the shopping journey.

“But with Royal Mail’s Sunday deliveries, this opens up a fair battleground for independent retailers to compete with Amazon. Shoppers can now shop anytime, anywhere, and expect a delivery to their homes at a time that suits.”