Santa is back on track for festive fun

EAST Lancashire Railway (ELR) has announced details of its ‘Santa Specials’, an annual Christmas favourite.

The historic railway, which has a station in Heywood, is hoping to kick start Christmas with their ‘Santa Specials’ and are aiming for them to be ‘bigger and better than ever before’.

Guests will make their way through an extended winter wonderland at Bury Bolton Street Station where they’ll meet old favourites like the Elves as well as new characters including the magical talking Christmas tree, Mrs Claus and ELR’S very own Ice Princess before having a singalong with a chorus of musical polar bears.

Grown-ups can look forward to a mince pie and a festive tipple or soft drink while children get stuck into chocolate, juice and their brand new ELR festive activity packs.

Mike Kelly, Chairman at ELR comments: “For over thirty years, generations have been enjoying Christmas at ELR.

“Last year I met a family of four generations who have been coming every year since the first Santa Special was launched.

“This year our Santa Specials are bigger and better than ever before with lots of new festive characters to meet and an upgraded Winter Wonderland for an even more magical experience.

Tickets are available to book now at www. eastlancsrailway.org.uk/ events-activities/ santa-trains/ with prices starting from £23 for adults. Families can also start their journey at Heywood Station where they can park for free and take the Santa Diesel Train Shuttle to Bury Bolton Street Station for the starting point of the steamhauled Santa Specials.

Shuttle tickets are priced at £1.50 for children and £2.50 for adults.