His is one of the most familiar faces around the world, known to millions of children and adults when he travels around the globe delivering presents in time for Christmas.

Yet few people know about the secret life of Santa Claus or that he kept diaries of his many expeditions around the world: until now.

For Burston author Juliette Atkinson, 46, has been given exclusive access to Father Christmas' private world and has revealed details of his diaries in her new book Santa Claus: All About Me.

And the excerpts include some startling revelations, including how he inadvertently provided footballs for the famous First World War match between British and German soldiers during the Christmas Truce in 1914.

He wrote about how a flare disturbed his reindeer while he was flying over the trenches, causing footballs to fall out of his sack and give the troops the chance of some light sporting relief during the Christmas ceasefire.

One of his diary entries also includes expert advice from Santa's wife Mrs Christmas on the perfect Christmas pudding- perfect for parents puzzling over how to make the ideal pudding- as well as information on the best decorations.

The book was launched at a signing session at Diss Publishing in Mere Street on Saturday.

Former London PA Mrs Atkinson had help with the illustrations from her husband John, a former graphic designer, who is a children's novelist and has written the book I Am Sorry teaching children the importance of being sincere when they apologise.

Although she does not have children herself, she said she tested the book on friends' children in Peterborough and they had really enjoyed it.

'It is quite nice for the family to have things like that. It cuts down the expense of buying individual presents. You can just buy one and it can be kept,' Mrs Atkinson said.

The book is being sold at Diss Publishing Bookshop, priced �25. To contact Diss Publishing, phone 01379 644612 or visit www.disspublishing.co.uk.