Before you listen to this BBC podcast, I'd like to quickly tell you about some others.

My name's Andy Martin and I'm the editor of a team of podcast producers at the BBC in Northern Ireland.

It's a job I really love because we get to tell the stories that really matter to people here,

but which also resonate and apply to listeners around the world.

And because the team is such a diverse

range of skills and strengths, we have trained journalists, people who love digging through

archives, we've got drama and even comedy experts. We really can do those stories justice. So if

you like this podcast, head to BBC Sounds where you'll find plenty more fascinating stories

from all around the UK. BBC Sounds where you'll find plenty more fascinating stories from all around the UK.

BBC Sounds, music, radio, podcasts.

Ellis and John's's show. And what's that I can hear in the background?

Why it's the gentle hum of endeavour, the quiet diligence associated with bringing joy to millions.

Is it producer Dave working hard on this show? No. Because this episode is a Christmas special that's being recorded bizarrely early, I'm actually talking about elves.

That's right. Because of the quiet diligence Dave has shown all year, Santa's decided that Dave has been a good boy.

So Santa's elves are hard at it, working on his Garmin 4 and a 265 smart watch to measure his cadence, vertical oscillation and stride length.

That was the watch I wanted you to get me.

Was it?

Yeah, you said you'd get me present for being your best man.

I said, I wanted that watch.

And you said, yeah, I'll get you that.

Did never arrive.

Never arrive.

...