WHILE some presents and gifts may arrive at the last minute this time of year, one letter defied the odds when it was delivered despite bearing just scant address details.

Trevor Burlingham, 62, was surprised to see an envelope arrive one morning bearing the words: “Mr and Mrs T Burlingham? A road somewhere near the golf course in Thetford, Norfolk. Trevor is a photographer (weddings), this might help.”

Despite the somewhat cryptic details, the letter was delivered to the correct address all the way from family friends in Norwich.

Mr Burlingham, of Redcastle Road, in Thetford, said: “I think Royal Mail did a fantastic job in delivering this. It’s amazing, really.

“My business is even under a different name, and the golf course is actually out of town, but they still found me.

“I’ve lived in Thetford all my life and maybe the postal worker knew me, but it’s still remarkable. Everyone’s laughing about it.”

A Royal Mail spokesman said local knowledge played a large part in identifying the correct recipients in such cases and added: “We are absolutely delighted that our postmen and women in Thetford were able to use their detective skills in getting this item of mail delivered safely to the right person. Our people always go the extra mile to try and deliver our customers’ mail.

“However, we would ask our customers to help us by always addressing their mail accurately and clearly using the full address, including the postcode.”