Australia’s most famous salty spread is bringing a little Christmas cheer to ships’ crews stranded in Port Kembla near Sydney over the festive period.

Vegemite is said to be among the most requested items for gift bags put together by the local port operator NSW Ports and The Mission to Seafarers.

“As we gear up for Christmas, a merry band of Christmas elves are working overtime to deliver a little joy and cheer for the hundreds of seafarers required to remain on board their vessels on 25 December,” NSW Ports said.