International Relief and Development Agency, World Vision, has launched an appeal to make Christmas more environmentally friendly and to help those in need in Africa with giant Christmas cards.

"Buying one Christmas card for friends and colleagues not only cuts out the fuss of sending dozens of Christmas cards but helps the environment too," says World Vision as it launches its Alternative Christmas Card campaign for the third year running.

World Vision is taking requests for packs, and is calling on all Christians to encourage all co-workers in offices, schools and churches to use it to send Christmas greetings to one another, as well as making a small donation equivalent to the amount of money saved on individual cards.

All money raised by World Vision in the campaign will go towards various projects operated by the relief agency in Africa.

World Vision explains that the "giant card is big enough for over fifty signatures, or can even be used on both sides for lengthier greetings".