Article: Junk mail to be sent by the boxload; GIVEAWAY: But customers will need to sign up to receive the boxes of 'Matter' from Royal Mail.

Byline: TOM McGHIE

FIRST it was junk mail, then there was smelly mail and now, in a desperate attempt to boost sales, Royal Mail plans to send junk parcels.

Instead of a gentle plop through the letterbox there will be loud thuds as packages weighing more than one pound, specially designed to fit through standard letterboxes, crash to the floor.

Inside the package will be at least 14 items ranging from badge pins to calendars, sweatbands, shampoo and crayons, with an alleged value of up to ?20. Trial boxes have also contained invitations to free vodka drinking sessions.

The box's contents are designed by marketeers to highlight brands ...

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