A pensioner who was told he could not send Christmas crackers through the post has had a helping hand from across the Atlantic.

Maurice Simmons, 72, of Holmes Avenue, Hove, was disappointed when told he could not send them to his son in the USA.

Post office staff said crackers were classed as explosives and banned from the mail.

Mr Simmons had to remove the 'crack' from his crackers before dispatching a bundle to Chicago.

But now a company in New York which specialises in crackers has stepped in to ensure Christmas goes with a bang after all.

Elizabeth Tripp, of Southdown Road, Portslade, spotted our article and told her daughter Ros Cull, who runs Celtic Creations in the Big Apple.

Ms Cull has now contacted Mr Simmons' son and will provide crackers to help him and his pals celebrate properly.

A delighted Mr Simmons said: "This is a great gesture and I am very pleased. I thought everyone had gone crackers."

Mrs Tripp said: "I know my daughter has contacted Mr Simmons' son and there is something in the pipeline. I think they are going to send him some children's crackers.

"She is pleased to be able to help. I am sure Mr Simmons is quite chuffed. I did sympathise with him when I read the article."