A co-operative store has created a new link between Gosport and the North Pole to make sure children can send their letters to Santa before Christmas Day.

After a difficult year, colleagues at The Co-operative Food in Palmyra Road, Elson, wanted to spread some extra cheer this winter.

So Duty Managers Jordan Gunnell and Sam Kish got to work contacting Father Christmas and his elves and found a way to make sure all of the letters posted by 11 December would get to him safely.

Simon Wright, Store Manager at the branch which is part of Southern Co-op – the regional, independent co-operative, said: “This was a great idea by my colleague and a way that people can share their happy thoughts with Santa Claus and their wishes for 2021.

“To make sure as many children know as possible, we have also emailed the template to the local schools to print out and make available.

“We’ve had it on good authority that children should receive a response from the top man himself before Christmas Day. We hope it helps to spread a bit of festive cheer this December.”

Template letters are available at the store for children to fill in.

So that Santa knows who to reply to, children are asked to put their name and address on the letter with a stamp on the envelope.

The store will be sending off letters to Santa on a daily basis.

To find out more, pop into the store at 66 Palmyra Road, Elson.