The Covid-19 pandemic won't stop Father Christmas delivering presents, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a letter, citing medical experts who said there was no health risk to children if rules were followed.

Johnson gave the reassurance to an eight-year-old child named Monti, who had written to him asking if Father Christmas would be able to deliver gifts this year.

The handwritten note from Monti asked if the government had considered the issue of Santa's annual visit: “I understand you are very busy but can you and the scientists please talk about this”.

Johnson posted the letter on Twitter alongside a copy of his reply. “I have put in a call to the North Pole and I can tell you Father Christmas is ready and raring to go, as are Rudolph and all of the other reindeer,” he said.