Howden Taunton has opened its North Pole Mail Service, allowing children to write to Santa and receive a personalised reply.

Families can collect specially designed postcards from the local branch to jot down their Christmas wishes.

These can be posted in the 'North Pole mailbox' at the branch.

Branch manager, Andy Reid, said: "We’re making it easier than ever for your little ones to share their wishes with Santa, so that he knows exactly what they’re hoping for this year.

"And to make the experience even more magical, they can also get a personalised response back from Father Christmas himself."

Example of the letters to and from Santa at Howden TauntonExample of the letters to and from Santa at Howden Taunton (Image: Howden) The aim is to relieve some of the festive season's pressure and allow families to create cherished memories.

Participation in Howden’s letters to Santa is free.

Parents can visit the Howden website to download a template letter from Santa, personalise it, and print it at home.

They can then place it in an envelope and deliver it through their letterbox.

In addition to the Santa letters, Howden is holding a competition to ease Christmas expenses, with a £250 pre-loaded Mastercard up for grabs for 20 lucky winners.

The branch team will also host a series of festive events to spread Christmas cheer.