BY Melissa Hilton

A ROYAL Family fanatic is delighted to have a new addition to her collection of regal postcodes.

With the recent announcement of Prince Harry’s engagement to American actress Meghan Markle, people offered their congratulations — many going the extra mile and sending handwritten letters.

Sharlene Ayres, from Burnley, was one of the lucky people to receive a postcode reply to the letter she sent, congratulating Harry and Meghan.

Sharlene has been sending cards and letters to the Royal Family for more than six years and has 100 postcards in her collection.

Sharlene, 54, said: “I’ve been sending them for six years now. I send them at every occasion — Easter, Christmas, birthdays, christenings.

“I started sending them one year because I was ill. I sent a letter to the Royal Family and received a photo back and I have carried on sending them ever since.

“I send letters and cards to the Queen but sometimes I get a late rely or no reply at all, it’s 50/50.”

The Queen and the Royal Family are inundated with correspondence all year round from people in the UK, Commonwealth and across the world.

The Queen sends approximately 750 Christmas cards to people who post her festive wishes each year.

Sharlene added: “I’ve now got four pictures of Prince George, two of Princess Charlotte, 16 of Prince Harry and 16 of Prince Charles and Camilla, and lots of Prince William and Kate.

“I’ve also sent Christmas cards to the Prime Ministers as well.

“I got one back from David Cameron one year.”