VILLAGE traders have joined forces to make this Christmas extra special for children visiting Weardale.

The owners of Fondant and Apron Strings and Woollyback, in Stanhope, have created a festive post box for youngsters to post their letters to Father Christmas.

Both shops, based in the Durham Dales Visitor Centre, have also decorated their windows with lights and tinsel to bring extra Christmas cheer to shoppers.

Lee Majhen-Todd, owner of Fondant and Apron Strings, said the idea came from her husband, who generously built and decorated the post box.

She said: “We are absolutely delighted that we are able to bring something extra to Stanhope. A little boy has seen the postbox today with his mum and he was very excited. It's so lovely to see their faces.

“It’s great timing because The Polar Express is due to start again this week. It would be wonderful for the children to come and post their letters either before or after and get a sweet treat from us.”

Each child who posts a letter to Father Christmas will receive a free candy cane from Woollyback owner, Lynne Dent and Mrs Majhen-Todd.

Mrs Dent said: “We wanted to make a feature for the children in Stanhope and bring some Christmas fun and cheer into the complex. I know how fun it is to write a letter to Santa with young children.”

The post box will be outside the shops until Christmas Eve.