CHILDREN in the Isle of Man are being urged to stop texting and e-mailing and give letter writing a go - to be in with the chance of winning a trip to Lapland.

The Isle of Man Post Office is running a competition for children aged between two and 16 to write a letter to Father Christmas.

Eddie Teare MHK, Minister for Education and Children, said: "There is always the danger with texting and e-mailing that we lose the art of letter writing.

"A letter is so much more personal and is undoubtedly appreciated by those who receive one – even Santa who must receive many.

"I hope that this competition will encourage young people to sit down and compose a letter."

One lucky winner will win the chance to travel to Lapland for the day to meet with Father Christmas. There will also be the chance to experience the snowmobiles, sleigh and husky rides, and toboggans.

Dot Tilbury, general manager Philatelic Bureau, Isle of Man Post Office, said: "This is such an exciting competition and I am sure a trip to Lapland to meet Father Christmas in his home, which sits deep in the snow covered pine trees, would be a dream come true for many children.

"The competition is free to enter and encourages children to get involved in the art of letter writing - a valuable skill in life."

The Department of Education and Children is promoting the competition through schools.

To enter children must write a letter to Father Christmas which must include their name, address and phone number.

Letters need to be posted into the special Lapland posting box situated inside Regent Street Post Office in Douglas.

The closing date for entries is November 30 and all letters entered will receive a personal reply from Father Christmas.

The winner will be announced live on Manx Radio on December 1.

Full terms and conditions can be viewed here, or in-store at the Regent Street Post Office.