Nine routes to the North Pole

THE Cholsey & Wallingford and Spa Valley railways will become the latest heritage lines to run Polar Express trains this Christmas.

The Wallingford operation will feature a USATC S160 2-8-0 from the Churnet Valley Railway (CVR) and five of seven ex-Greater Anglia BR Mk.3 coaches acquired by event organiser PNP Events, while the Spa Valley trains will be hauled by Bulleid Pacific No. 34053 Sir Keith Park.

Other heritage lines booked so far to stage the same kind of event this year are the CVR, along with the Caledonian, MidNorfolk, South Devon, Telford and Wensleydale railways, and the Seaton Tramway.