Seven-year-old questioned by Donald Trump still believes in Santa... and he left her a new doll under the Christmas tree

A seven-year-old girl asked by Donald Trump on Christmas Eve if she was a Santa believer still left out milk and cookies and was left a new American Girl doll under the tree.

Collman Lloyd, of Lexington, South Carolina, had called the NORAD Tracks Santa programme on Monday night to check on Santa's journey delivering toys.

In an interview with the Post and Courier of Charleston, she said the scientist who answered the NORAD phone asked her if she would like to speak to the president.

Six minutes later, Mr Trump was on the line.

"Are you still a believer in Santa?" he asked.

When she responded, "Yes, sir," the president added, "Because at seven, that's marginal, right?"

Collman did not know what "marginal" meant and simply answered, "Yes, sir."

Mr Trump closed by saying, "Well, you just enjoy yourself."

Mr Trump's chat with Collman was initially reported as being with a boy named Coleman.

Only Mr Trump's end of the conversation could be heard by reporters, but Collman's family later posted video of the call on YouTube.

Collman told the Post and Courier that she and her 10-year-old sister and five-year-old brother left iced sugar cookies and chocolate milk for Santa.

She reported that on Christmas morning the food was gone and presents were under the tree, including an American Girl doll.

Additional reporting by the Press Association