Singing Christmas postboxes serenade the public

PA Media A woman smiles as she is sung a tune by the red and gold postbox on Oxford Street in London.PA Media
The postbox sings festive favourites like We Wish You A Merry Christmas, Jingle Bells and Deck The Halls

Londoners will be in for a surprise serenade sending off their post this Christmas if they use a new singing postbox on Oxford Street.

Decorated with stars, snowmen and snowflakes, the special Royal Mail postbox sings festive songs whenever it receives post.

Its repertoire includes favourites like We Wish You A Merry Christmas, Jingle Bells, and Deck The Halls.

The lord mayor of Westminster said: "I think it's a fantastic idea."

PA Media The Lord Mayor of Westminster smiling as she posts a letter in the special box.PA Media
Westminster's Lord Mayor said: "Hopefully this will encourage people to keep up the Christmas tradition"

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Patricia McAllister, said: "There is nothing better than sending Christmas cards to friends and family to spread some festive cheer.

"Hopefully this will encourage people to keep up the Christmas tradition."

'Extra festive joy and cheer'

Similar postboxes will also be popping up in Glasgow's George Square, Belfast's Donegall Square West and on Union Street in Swansea.

Nick Landon, chief commercial officer at Royal Mail, said: "This is Royal Mail's busiest time of the year. December sees about twice as many letters, cards and parcels as other months.

"This year we're adding some extra festive joy and cheer for people sending their letters and Christmas cards to loved ones through our amazing singing postboxes."

Presentational grey line

Follow BBC London on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected]