Oxfordshire is the most improved postal delivery area in the Midlands, hitting record levels of service, according to an independent survey.

Last year the Oxford postcode area's performance was the worst in the country, with only 85.7 per cent of first class post delivered on time, compared to a national target of 92.5 per cent set by regulator Postcomm.

But new figures show that, in the year to April, the county surpassed its 91.5 per cent target for first class mail to be delivered next day. Royal Mail said all 16 Midlands postcode areas hit their local target, but Oxford showed most improvement, rising to 93.6 per cent.