A HEREFORD boy proved the art of letter-writing is still alive among the young as he exchanged post with the Queen.

Oliver Rayer-Gulyas, a pupil at St James Primary School, asked his parents for a stamp after penning a letter to congratulate Her Majesty on her latest birthday.

And several months later, the seven-year-old received a reply written by one of the Queen's ladies in waiting, thanking him for his efforts.

Oliver's mother Jane said: "The letter idea was all Oliver's doing – he just asked me for a stamp."

The royal response took pride of place at Oliver's school when headmistress praised her pupil during the final assembly before half-term.