Santa’s ready to greet passengers on board

MAGICAL festive steam train rides return to the Staffordshire Moorlands for their 23rd year - with Churnet Valley Railway offering the ‘ultimate seasonal experience’ for all the family on the Santa Express.

The heritage railway’s iconic and much loved ‘Santa and Steam’ event combines a ride on a steam train through scenic countryside along with a visit from Santa.

On a variety of dates in the run up to Christmas Day, vintage trains decorated with garlands and filled with Christmas cheer, will make their way through the Churnet Valley with 124 journeys scheduled this season. The most the heritage railway has ever run.

Santa and Steam will run on both days on the weekends of December 1 and 2; 7 and 8 and 15 and 16, and on Wednesday’s of December 5 and 12. They will also run daily from Wednesday, December 19 to Monday, 24, Christmas Eve.

Santa will welcome children aboard the train for an hour and 20-minute journey through the breath-taking Staffordshire Moorlands.

On board entertainment for the children including balloon artists making festive creations for children of all ages and sherry and mince pies for adults.

On offer will be a splendid selection of mystery presents. Santa and his elves make their way through the carriages spreading Christmas cheer while giving each child a wrapped gift.

The Santa Express departs from two stations, Froghall and Cheddleton.

Gregory Wilson, operations director at the railway, said: “This is one of our favourite, and busiest, times at Churnet Valley Railway.

“Our Santa and Steam event is part of many families’ Christmas celebrations.

“Kids of all ages tell us meeting Santa, riding on a steam train and getting a present is a perfect day out.”

Ticket prices start at £17 for adults, £12 for children over two years old and £7 for children under two years old.

A 10 per cent group discounts is available on groups of over 20 passengers and groups of six to eight passengers can book a private compartment for £30.

Churnet Valley Railway relies on a network of over 100 regular volunteers and there are opportunities to get involved over the Christmas period.

This includes helping Santa and his elves with preparing presents, distributing festive refreshments, meeting and greeting passengers at each station and assisting with on-board duties.

For more information, contact enquiries@ churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk or call 01538 750 755.