mine ran out in march, so i thought 'hmmm id better renew it' and the post office do a 'fast track' check and return service for £6. i was amazed after it was returned to me within 3 days!!!!! 
at that was even via royal mail!!! (which is probably a bigger shock)
Mine ran out in March too, frighted the knickers off me, but after using the fast track Post Office Business Partners method for the £6 the new one and the cancelled old one both came back to me five days later.
The old fellow in the PO had warned that ten to fourteen days was a possibility.
Big problem now is... Who the hell is that ugly old git in the photo? If that is me, I have really had it with the birds now!!!

Bill