There were 170 entrants to the Christmas Wishes contest.

But the parents of the 10 children whose comments were voted as most worthy of a visit to see Santa in his home country have now been notified.

And the winning child – together with three family members – will be heading off to the winter wonderland of Lapland next weekend.

Carol Williamson, the granny of finalist Maddison Williamson (10), said she was moved and delighted to have been the subject of her grand- daughter's Christmas wish.

"I look after Maddison a lot when my daughter Allison is at work," explained Mrs Williamson (62), of Chaucer Drive, Lincoln.

"She said she would like to take me to Lapland as a thank-you – so I really hope we win!"

Julie Watt (28), mother of eight-year-old Logan, of Cross Street, Lincoln, said he loved writing at Monks Abbey Primary School and wanted to win the Lapland trip to give him more inspiration for his stories.

"It would be such a thrill to win – he is very excited," said Ms Watt.

And Elaine Davis (29), of Nettleham, said it would be really special for herself, husband Matthew and daughter Holly (nearly two) to got to Lapland with three-year-old Finley if his wish to be Santa's helper was chosen.