RURAL POST OFFICE SEEKS LITTLE
HELPERS FOR CHRISTMAS

A new rural post office, opening in Houghton-le-Spring, County Durham, very soon, is causing a bit of a stir thanks to its rather unusual requirements for staff.

Rather than looking for experienced post office personnel, this particular outlet is looking for what it calls 'little helpers' and, ideally, those willing to be trained up as elves!

The post office in question will be located at the North East's newest farm attraction, Down at the Farm, just off the A690 and set in 20 acres of rural countryside on a working farm.

For Christmas 2008, Down at the Farm is planning its most spectacular event yet, transforming its barn into a Winter wonderland of snow, icicles, blue and white fairy lights and stunning decorations that will leave little ones, and their parents, mesmerised.

This marvellous refurbishment will celebrate the arrival of Santa, complete with sleigh and live reindeer, and lots of children will be clamouring to tell the genial gentleman all about what they would like him to bring them on Christmas morning.

Whilst they are mulling over their latest wish list, they can write a letter to Santa and post it in the Down at the Farm post box. To make sure the post is all ready for when the reindeer come to collect it, the farm attraction is trying to recruit some little elves, who can work in the post office on the run up to Christmas - the busiest time for the Santa post.

Elves taken on to work in Santa's post office will receive a present from Santa, and of course meet the man himself. They will also be able to meet all of the animals in the barn's nativity area, where the miniature donkey is sure to be the star of the show, and they can also stroll round the rest of the attraction.

The acting boss of this very special rural post office, prior to Santa's arrival, is Catherine Weightman, owner of Down at the Farm. She says: "Christmas is going to be fantastic time to visit Santa and we know we will need lots of extra helpers to take letters to Santa's post box, so the reindeer can collect them. We are looking forward to seeing lots of super children who can be our elves."

To avoid disappointment adults should book tickets by either calling the Christmas hotline on 0191 584 1873 or sending their details to the Chief Elf, Down at the Farm, Houghton-le-Spring, DH5 8JG.

The Down at the Farm ticketed Santa events, which take place on December 13, 14, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 and last around 1.5 hours. Prices £6 for children. £4 for adults.

All details of the event can be found at www.downatthefarm.co.uk