CHARITABLE Mosley Commoner Roy Lilly could hardly be called Scrooge but the candid ex-farmer is concerned that his friends might be thinking he's cutting back.

As a way of saying thanks to friends and business associates Roy posted over two dozen personalised pens and calendars.

But he wasn't too happy to hear most of the recipients were asked to pay for their presents!

A flabbergasted Roy said he took the packages to the Post Office where they were weighed and what he believed was the correct postage paid.

He was astounded when one friend mentioned the stamps didn't cover postage costs and he'd had to pay a surcharge plus a further £1 handling fee when he went to collect his gift!

That's a bit lacking in festive spirit for what seems to be a PO error.

Big-hearted Roy has now had to check with everyone to see if they had to cough up to collect their gift so they can be reimbursed.