THE CHRISTMAS cards are delivered with newest technology this year as electric cars were introduced to Father Christmas today.

Father Christmas and Mrs Christmas met Dec and Dovera – the Renault Twizys outside Penrith Tourist Information Centre (TIC) as they gear up to deliver thousands of Christmas cards sold by Eden tourist information centres.

Over 25 national charities, including Age UK, Barnardo’s and Macmillan Cancer Support, will benefit from cards sales this year, which can be purchased in Appleby TIC, Alston Local Links and Kirkby Stephen’s Upper Eden Visitor Centre.

Shelley Mills, Area Organiser for Cards for Good Causes said: “Buying charity Christmas cards is one of the simplest ways to support good causes across the region this festive season. Sales of the cards not only generate funds with which the charities can make a real difference, but also purchasing and sending them helps raise awareness of the vital work these charities do. We look forward to welcoming shoppers to our pop-up shops around the Eden Valley and North Pennines this autumn.”

Dec and Dovera will be able to help Father Christmas and Mrs Christmas reach all corners of the Eden Valley, Ullswater and the North Pennines without disturbing the peace of the region as the cars are electric.

“Dec – the Renault Twizy “ is operated by Penrith accommodation provider The Wayfarers Hostel and Dovera is operated by Pooley Bridge campsite operator Hillcroft Park.

MORE TOP STORIES:

They are part of a flock of electric cars located around the Penrith and Ullswater area.

Charlie Thornton, Tourism Development Officer at Eden District Council, said: “We are delighted that Penrith’s Wayfarers Hostel and Pooley Bridge’s Hillcroft Park campsite have been able to help us promote Cards for Good Causes Christmas Card shops this year. Delivering Christmas cards is a mammoth undertaking and cars like Dec and Dovera demonstrate how sustainable forms of transport can make a big difference to the Eden community.”

Available to hire for a couple of hours, half a day or a full day, the cars can be driven by almost anyone over the age of 18 with a full drivers licence.

The cars can travel about 40 miles on a single charge with a top speed of 50mph.

Several other businesses in the area have made themselves available as charging points so you can travel even further.

Cards for Good Causes have had links with Eden TICs for over 10 years and thousands of pounds have been raised for national charities.

For every £1 of card sales, 70p goes directly to the charities.

Eden’s network of TICs and visitor centres are open most days between now and Christmas.

Detailed opening hours can be found at: www.visiteden.co.uk/visitor-information/tourist-information-centers-tic