Jase Hyndman and his sister lost their father four years ago and always mark his birthday at this time of year.

This year the seven-year-old from West Lothian decided to send a birthday card, with a special request to the postman.

He wrote on the envelope: "Mr postman, can you take this to Heaven for my dad's birthday, thanks."

A little while later, he was thrilled to receive a letter from Royal Mail's Sean Milligan to say the card had been delivered safely.

Image: A Royal Mail manager assured Jase that the card had been delivered

Mr Milligan, the service's assistant delivery office manager, had written: "While we've been delivering your post, we became aware of some concerns.


"So I just wanted to take this opportunity to contact you about how we succeeded in the delivery of your letter, to your dad in heaven.

"This was a difficult challenge avoiding stars and other galactic objects on route to heaven.

Image: Jase Hyndman pictured with his dad James, who died four years ago

"However, please be assured that this particular important item of mail has been delivered.

"Royal Mail's priority is to get our customers' mail delivered safely, I know how important your mail is to you.

"I will continue to do all I can to ensure delivery to heaven safely."

Jase's mother Teri Copland said her son has been "overwhelmed" and "emotional".

She added: "You didn't have to make the effort to do this, you could have just ignored it, but the fact that you have made the effort for a little boy you've never met is such a lovely thing to do.

"Royal Mail, you've restored my faith in humanity."