Grab your chance to meet Father Christmas on his own express

» IT’S time to set our sights on Christmas.

Already busy making plans is the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR ) with its popular steam-hauled ‘Santa Express’.

This is extra special this year because it is the first full ‘Santa Express’ from Cheltenham Racecouse since 2019.

Marketing manager, Catherine Johnson said: “From Cheltenham Racecourse, the Santa Express will run through the glorious Cotswold winter scenery and through dark Greet Tunnel to the North Pole at Winchcombe.

“The last couple of years have seen our Christmas trains restricted with reduced capacity because of Covid social distancing rules, while trains were run from Toddington over just three miles.

“So it’s really exciting that we’re are back to full operation.”

Every family will enjoy a personal audience with Father Christmas - of course - while all youngsters will receive a gift.

Santa’s grotto will be within a specially-converted railway carriage at North Pole station, making it even more magical for children. But that is not all.

There will be a range of entertainment as well as refreshments, including the railway’s famous mince pies, at North Pole station.

The event is entirely organised by a team of GWSR volunteers who are dedicated to making sure that everyone has a memorable day on the railway.

Tickets became available at the beginning of September and are already selling fast, so book to avoid disappointment.

Santa Express services operate every weekend from November 26 to December 18, plus 21 to 23 December.

Tickets can be booked online at. gwsr.com where there is also full information.