A postal service offering a “letter exchange with lonely monsters” is launching at the children’s literacy charity Minstry of Stories – just in time for Halloween.

The new counter at the Monster Supplies shop in Hoxton Street was unveiled at the weekend.

Six monsters have signed-up for the scheme – Yeti, Mummy, Werewolf, Dragon, Vampire and a Monster in the Cupboard - and will be on hand to reply to letters.

The shop will open late tomorrow night, from 1pm to 8pm, so that trick-or-treaters can write a letter before the evening’s festivities.

Unique replies to letters cost £5, or £2 for local children, and can be expected within a month. Replies can be collected in store or by post for an additional £1. All profits will go towards the children’s creative writing charity Ministry of Stories, hidden behind the shop’s secret door.

It was founded eight years ago by educationalists Lucy Macnab and Ben Payne and Fever Pitch author Nick Hornby.