A YOUNG letter writer from Norton unwittingly became the very first customer at the town's new post office - when she went in to buy a stamp for a letter to the Queen.

Matilda Humpleby, 6, had been to see the new BFG film, in which the Queen (played by Penelope Wilton) features, and came away deciding to send the real Queen - and her corgis - a missive.

Matilda's mum Lynn said: "In the film the Queen comes across as a really lovely person and she saves the day so that's why she wanted to write to her.

"So we got the Queen's address off the internet and then we needed a stamp, and it just so happens we were the first customers."

Matilda sent the Queen a portrait of the monarch in pencil, coloured in, with a corgi at her feet.

This is the first time that Norton Primary School pupil Matilda has written to the head of state.

"She doesn't make a habit of it," said Lynn. "But it was entirely her own initiative. We're keeping our fingers crosses for a reply but we know that the Queen is a very busy lady."