This sounds like the storyline of a Christmas ad - but is actually something that happened in real life.

A little boy who wrote to his dad in heaven for his birthday has just gotten a lovely letter back from the staff who have been handling the letters. Seven-year-old Jase Hyndman from Blackburn in the UK lost his father James in 2014. Every year since, he and his 10-year-old sister have written to their dad in heaven, addressing the letters: "Mr Postman. Can you take this to heaven for my dad’s birthday? Thanks.” This week the staff of The Royal Mail responded to Jase to let him know that his letters were indeed getting through.

"While we’ve been delivering your post, we became aware of some concerns," Sean Milligan, Royal Mail’s assistant delivery office manager, wrote. "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 en route to heaven. "However please be assured that this particular important item of mail has been delivered."

Jase's mum Teri shared an image of the letter on Facebook, thanking the Royal Mail for the gesture. "I actually cannot state how emotional he is knowing his dad got his card... "You didn’t have to make the effort to do this you could have just ignored it but the fact that yous have made the effort for a little boy you’ve never met is such a lovely thing to do. "Royal Mail you’ve just restored my faith in humanity and thank you it honestly means the world to him." Pass the tissues...