Children sending Christmas wish lists to Father Christmas should post their letters to the North Pole by the start of next month if they would like to receive a reply.

The Royal Mail is once again helping one of its biggest customers through the festive season by ferrying hundreds of thousands of letters to the big man himself.

But with post bags expected to be bulging, the postal service is asking youngsters to write to Santa by no later than Friday, December 9 - or by Friday, December 2 if you're posting letters as part of a large group such as a school class or brownie pack.

And for those who remember to include their full name and address, as well as their postcode, a special reply will wing its way back.

For almost 60 years, postmen and women have been involved with making sure Santa Claus knows what children in the UK would like for Christmas by getting correspondence to him at his grotto.

Lisa Luveniyali, who is part of the team which ensures children's letters reach their destination explained: "Royal Mail plays a very special part in the nation’s Christmas preparations. We are proud that for 59 years, Santa has allowed us to help manage the hundreds of thousands of special letters he receives from boys and girls across the country.

"His special team of elves at Royal Mail especially enjoy taking a peek at what children are asking for as well as helping Santa reply to these special letters. Don’t forget to include your full name and address on your letter so Santa can reply to you."

Children should post their letters and cards to: Father Christmas, Santa's Grotto, Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ.

While the letter must be stamped correctly, and include an address for those who would like a reply, there is no need to include a return envelope or any additional stamps inside in order to get another letter back.