Royal Mail was slammed yesterday (Fri) amid allegations that postal chiefs have sidelined Christmas post to prioritise - JUNK mail.

An enormous backlog of more than 40,000 letters has gathered since sweeping changes were introduced to sorting offices last month.

Thousands of people have been left without vital deliveries such as doctors appointments, business letters and Christmas parcels.

Outraged residents have criticised the situation after one postman admitted that junk mail was  prioritised because it is ''more valuable''.

The worker from a depot in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warks., said: ''It's a complete mess. The junk mail leaflets are taking priority over the mail at the moment due to the fact they make a lot more income.

''Bosses have hired more staff to deal with the work but it's simply too much. Instead we're having to leave out letters, even those that are marked first class.

''The situation is improving but it's a still a mess. Some people might not get their cards this Christmas but they'll definitely get a flyer for the local take-away.

''Before the changes not one letter would be left. But after the changes there are up to 200 more calls. We're delivering what we can but bring the rest back.''

The problems started on November 8 when postmen across Warwickshire were given longer rounds with more letters.

But they claim that they were not allocated enough time to make all the deliveries.

Those letters that were undelivered were returned to the office where they were left until the next day.

Furious residents have now flooded local MP Nadim Zahawi with complaints that vital parcels and deliveries have not arrived.

Mr Zahawi said: ''I have sent a letter to Royal Mail chief executive Moya Greene after receiving an unprecedented number of complaints from constituents including missed medical appointments and delays to vital business post.

''I am very concerned about the delivery issues that Royal Mail appear to be experiencing and the lack of a real explanation from the organisation as to why this situation has occurred.''

A Royal Mail spokesman said: ''As part of Royal Mail's modernisation across the country, changes are being made at a number of delivery offices in the area.

''When any such major change is implemented, some disruption is possible as we adjust to new ways of working.''