SOUTHBOURNE’S countdown to Christmas got underway with the arrival of Santa’s Letterbox on Saturday.

Youngsters will be able to post their Christmas wish lists to Santa at the letterbox on Southbourne Community Green and also at Coffee#1 and the entrance to the Sainsbury's Local store.

The letters are sent directly to the North Pole for free with parents encouraged to include an address so their children can receive a personal reply from Father Christmas.

More than 1,000 letters have been known to be posted to Santa in the letterbox each year.

This Saturday (November 24), Southbourne will switch on its Christmas lights at 5.45pm.

The Christmas Tree Festival also begins at Immanuel Church and will be open between 4pm and 7pm on weekdays so people can vote for the best decorated tree.

Paul Clarke, Bournemouth Coastal BID chairman, said: “We hope as many people as possible will come along and share in Southbourne’s fun and festivities in the run-up to Christmas.”

Letters posted to Santa from any Royal Mail post box must be sent by December 8 and senders must use a stamp. People can make sure their letter gets to Santa by using the following official address: Santa/Father Christmas, Santa's Grotto, Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ.