Santa ready for children's letters

THOUGH Santa and his elves are working hard to prepare presents for Christmas, the man in the red suit will take time out of his busy schedule to read and reply to letters from children.Since 1975 Santa and Australia Post have worked together to ensure Christmas mail is safely delivered to a secret location in the North Pole.Yesterday, Santa made a special visit to the prep pupils of Ballarat North Primary School to teach them how to address the letters correctly so he can receive them."Australia Post staff have spoken to Santa, Mrs Claus, the elves and reindeer to work out the best way to deliver Santa's mail to his village in the North Pole in time for Christmas," Australia Post spokeswoman Nadine Lyford said."With around 120,000 Australian children expected to write to Santa this year, he will be up to his white beard and spectacles in presents."The best way for kids to let him know what they want for Christmas is to get in early and write out their lists and address them to Santa, NORTH POLE, 9999."To ensure you receive a response from Santa before Christmas, it is very important you include your name and return address on the back of a stamped envelope."Some presents on the Christmas wishlists for preppies at Ballarat North Primary School were computer games, books, a motorbike, a pool, and even chalk and a chalkboard.Their letters were sent express to the North Pole yesterday in an Australia Post van."Each year I look forward to reading all of the letters I receive from Australian children," Santa said."Please start sending your letters to the North Pole now, so that I have time to write back to you."