Hi-tech kids email wish lists to Santa

SANTA is now receiving an email a minute from boys and girls in Ireland and around the world containing their Christmas present lists at the website www.emailsanta.ie.

But it is not only children that are emailing the technology-savvy Father Christmas - one in 20emails are from a lonely adult seeking a boyfriend or girlfriend this Christmas.

Some of the top Christmas items submitted by adults veer towards more practical items such as cars, houses and jobs on their wish lists.

Others were looking for a Christmas miracle, seeking a magic ointment for arthritis, a boyfriend wrapped in a red bow, winning lotto numbers, two front teeth, sunshine and a pain-free back.

The most popular requests from children include Bratz dolls, iPods, bicycles, PlayStations, an Xbox 360, a dolls house, Yu-Gi-Oh cards, books and a Barbie.

The tradition of leaving food out for Santa also looked set to continue, with many of the emails from children promising biscuits, carrots, milk and a glass of stout.

Each Christmas list receives a personalised email from Santa and a short video clip in return.