A SPECIAL postbox has been installed in a garden for youngsters to send letters to Santa.

Paul and Dawn Heald are inviting children in the area to put their wish lists in the box at Woodfield Grove, Farnworth.

They will be delivered to Father Christmas and all of the children are promised a personal reply from Santa.

Mr and Mrs Heald, who have three young sons, set up a postbox last Christmas.

After an overwhelming response of more than 100 letters, they decided to do the same thing again this year.

Mrs Heald, aged 26, said: "We love Christmas so much and we just wanted to spread the cheer in the community.

"Our boys get really excited about it and thought this was a nice thing to.

"Last year we had such a good response and had a brilliant time making and posting the replies."

The couple have put posters up in the area and at St Peter's Primary School, where their four-year-old twins Alan and Michael attend. They also have a toddler called Samuel, aged two.

This year the twins are hoping for matching red bikes, while Samuel wants an electric car to keep up with them.

Mrs Heald spends time hand making cards which are sent back to children who have posted their wish lists by Royal Mail.

Mr Heald, aged 32, empties the box each evening. Mrs Heald added: "This year we are going to put a little surprise in the card too. We just love Christmas and making it special for everyone."