Gifts etailer Firebox.com has become the latest to extend its delivery options by offering same day delivery within the M25.

Firebox has joined forces with courier firm OCS Worldwide to offer evening delivery on orders placed before 4pm. Orders received after 4pm will be sent out the following working day. Weekend orders will be delivered on Monday evening.

Firebox tested the service over the busy Christmas period last year and has now decided to offer it all year round.

Firebox managing director Christian Robinson said: “An increasing number of our customers work lengthy hours and commute long distances. We want to make their shopping experience as fast, convenient and hassle-free as possible and believe this service will help.”

The battle to offer the best delivery options for online customers has intensified this year. Earlier this month Argos began piloting a service enabling customers to have ordered items couriered in as little as 90 minutes.

Fashion etailer Asos has also extended its free delivery and returns offer this year and Amazon now offers free delivery and packaging to its direct UK customers - customers of third-party sellers on Amazon are not covered.