Delivery firm Yodel is creating 7,000 jobs ahead of the busy festive season.

Around 800 directly employed drivers will be taken on, as well as 3,000 owner drivers and 3,000 self employed couriers who will deliver and collect smaller parcels.

Yodel said many of the jobs are expected to become permanent after Christmas amid an increase in parcel deliveries.

Dick Stead, executive chairman of Yodel, said: "Our recent research has shown that the 2015 Christmas period is set to break the mould once again, with nearly four times as many people planning to take advantage of the Black Friday online promotions.

"Our recruitment and training will support this increased demand and ensure that both our retail clients and shoppers have an enjoyable Christmas.

"Many of the vacancies are flexible and perfect for those who want to fit work around families, or who have retired but want to remain active and earn some extra cash. Others are full-time and we expect many people to stay on beyond peak season."