The designers of an official civic Christmas card have been forced to fake the wintry scene because of a lack of recent snow in Birmingham.

Using computer trickery, a photograph of the Council House on an average day has been transformed into a winter wonderland for the Lord Mayor's official limited edition charity Christmas card.

And inside are a series of photographs showing the best of 21st century Birmingham, including Selfridges, the Mailbox and Symphony Hall.

It is the first time the Mayor's Office has conjured up a card for Brummies to send their friends further afield.

Lord Mayor Coun John Hood said: "There has never been a Christmas card for the people of Birmingham showing our magnificent city. It's a wonderful way to promote our city and I would be delighted to see the cards sent to friends and family.

"All proceeds are going to extremely worthy causes so these extra special cards will have a dual purpose. Sending festive cheer from our wonderful city across the globe and helping those in need."

Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Royal National Institute of the Blind, Acorns Children's Hospice, Greenacres Cheshire Home and The Women's Campaign at Birmingham Women's Hospital.

Cards will be sold in packs of ten at a cost of £5 and are available from libraries across the city from next Monday.