The Post Office is to trial more than 150 new drop-off points for home shopping customers returning orders using Royal Mail's pre-paid returns services.

The aim is to make it easier for customers to return orders placed during the peak period for home shopping in the run-up to Christmas. The new drop-off points will be based in existing retail outlets such as garages and convenience stores, most of which open seven days a week.

Martin George, the Post Office's chief commercial officer, said: "Around one in 10 online orders are returned, so retailers need to ensure they provide a convenient, easy and reliable returns network. It's a growing market and one in which the Post Office, through its unrivalled reach, is the market leader."