With just over six weeks to go until Christmas, Royal Mail is once again lending Santa a helping hand.

For 59 years, Royal Mail has been helping to make Christmas wishes come true by sending children’s letters to the North Pole.

Now Santa’s team of helpers at Royal Mail is gearing up to deliver the hundreds of thousands of letters sent to him by children from across the UK.

Lisa Luveniyali, Royal Mail Chief Elf, who ensures children’s letters reach Santa at his grotto in Reindeerland in the North Pole, said: “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.”

Once all of this year’s letters have been received, Royal Mail will reveal the definitive guide to what children actually want for Christmas, with a ‘Top 10’ list of the most wished for toys.

To ensure Santa receives your letter on time, make sure you write to him, using the correct address, on a stamped envelope: Santa/Father Christmas, Santa’s Grotto, Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ.

Santa needs to know your full name and address including your postcode to reply - children should post their letters no later than Friday, December 9.

Meanwhile, Royal Mail is encouraging customers to order their online gifts and shopping well in advance, and to post their festive greetings early.

Its latest recommended posting dates for mail to arrive in time for Christmas are:

• Monday 19 December - 2nd Class

• Wednesday 21 December - 1st Class

• Thursday 22 December - Special Delivery Guaranteed

Further information is available at www.royalmail.com/greetings