Thousands flock to post a Christmas card from Bethlehem

December 18, 2012: A Post Office in the tiny Welsh village of BETHLEHEM has been swamped with customers who want to have their Christmas cards stamped with its unique postmark. Thousands of visitors from all over the world will be flocking to the village for their Christmas mail to be stamped with the festive name.

Postmaster Mike Williams said: 'This is a very busy time for our Bethlehem branch. 'People come from all over the UK and abroad to hand deliver their cards to make sure they get the Bethlehem handstamp. 'We have had visitors from as far as America, Australia and even from the more famous Bethlehem.'

The unique stamp shows an angel and a harp, with greetings in English and Welsh. And crucially it carries the name of the Biblical city in Palestine fabled as the birthplace of Jesus. The post office in the quiet Carmarthenshire village is more than 2,500 miles from the 'Little Town of Bethlehem' featured in the popular Christmas carol.

But that hasn't stopped customers rushing there - and mail chiefs expect around 30,000 letters to pass through the post office this year. Royal Mail Director Tony Fox, said: 'Thousands of our customers take advantage of this unique handstamp helping bring festive cheer to those who receive it at Christmas.'