Royal Mail has apologised, and says a worker has been dismissed, after people in the Fishguard area received mail at the start of this month which was five or six weeks late.

Among the late items, which dated from September and October, was pre-operation information for surgery that took place at the end of September, which arrived at least five weeks late on November 3.

Other reported items were hospital appointment letters for appointments now gone, vouchers that are now out of date and September's Radio Times.

One recipient said that he had tried to put a complaint in via the Royal Mail website but could not, as there was not a category for late post.

Royal Mail said the problems were linked to a temporary worker who has been dismissed.

“We apologise to customers in the Fishguard area for any delays they may have experienced,” said a Royal Mail spokesperson.

“The delayed items were linked to the work of a temporary worker who has since been dismissed from the business.

“We have worked hard to resolve the situation and affected customers should have now received their mail.

“Anyone who has further concerns over the delivery of their mail should contact the Royal Mail customer service team on 03457 740 740 or via the Royal Mail website: royalmail.com.”