THE popular Santa Specials return to the Watercress Line this Christmas.

The steam locomotive will chuff into town , giving families the chance to travel across the heart of the English countryside in a festive train carriage with Santa and his jolly helpers on November 30 and various dates throughout December.

Every child on board will receive a gift from Father Christmas as well as a soft drink, gingerbread man and activity pack to keep them entertained on this enchanting one-hour journey, while grown ups will be treated to white wine and mince pies.

Guests of all ages are also asked to bring their very best singing voices to join in with everyone’s favourite Christmas songs.

Jules Johns, interim marketing manager at the Watercress Line, said: “It’s one of the only Santa experiences where families don’t need to queue, and we love seeing children’s faces light up when Father Christmas visits them in their seats and delivers presents.”

The festive spirit will continue at the Watercress Line after Christmas, with its popular Christmas Leave also set to return on December 26 and 27. Join civilian and military re-enactors and experience the atmosphere of a WWII Christmas on the railway, listen to live 1940s music, enjoy an ARP display, play wartime games and much more.

See watercressline.co.uk for more details.