I WISH The Polar Express was around when I was a kid.

I took my three-year-old niece and my teenage nephew on the festive train ride this weekend and it was one of those magical moments I know we will remember for years to come.

We approached Weardale railway station, in Stanhope, County Durham, full of excitement and anticipating what was to come. I’d heard great things, but I knew how excited my niece was and her expectations were high.

Stepping onto the train was like stepping into Santa’s grotto. We were greeted by dancing chefs who showed us to our table. It wasn’t long before we pulled out of the station and the carol singing started.

After a few dances the chefs came round with hot chocolate and a chocolate chip cookie, I suspect the highlight of the trip for the dads on board.

As we sipped the milky hot chocolate the atmosphere changed from high-octane energetic to calm and serene. The dancing chefs drifted gently up and down the gangway with a large illustrated book as a special reading played out over the speakers.

The cosy carriage was warm and comfortable and covered in Christmas decorations. The chef who worked in our carriage was brilliant, she interacted with my niece and nephew from start to finish and made us feel special.

After the story finished we pulled into The North Pole and my niece's face was a picture, she shouted to tell us she could see Santa and kept asking if we could see him too. Even my teenage nephew got up out of his seat to take it all in.

The North Pole was a spectacle and a half, Christmas presents, dancing elves, bright lights and a jolly Santa Claus waving at the children, the pitch of the little ones on board went up a few octaves.

Elves joined us on board to ramp up the singing and dancing and by this point everybody had joined in, teenage nephews, Dads and Uncles included.

The dancing chef told us Santa was on his way to see us, and we started counting down, my niece was now jumping up and down repeatedly in excitement and stopped only to let out the occasional shriek.

As the door opened and Santa made his grand entrance my niece let out a high pitched squeal which she followed with a few bum wiggles. She only does those when she’s really, really excited.

Santa Claus came to our table and asked my blushing niece what she would like for Christmas. Shyness returned and she hid partly behind me and partly behind her fluffy dressing gown.

My nephew was confident in saying he wanted the latest games console, something I’m sure Santa heard a few times from the older children. He gave them both a silver bell on a red ribbon, just like in the story, engraved with The Polar Express.

After Santa said goodbye the dancing chefs returned again for one last dance. All shyness had left my niece as she clambered over me in a hurry to go and dance with the other children, her glowing smile a perfect way to end a magical evening. We will definitely be going again next year, and the year after, and the year after.

* Customers can travel on the Polar Express until Friday, November 30 and then between December 2 and December 8; December 10 and December 23 and finally on December 27 and 28.

Departure times are 1.30pm, 3.30pm 5.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets for standard class are children, £17, adults, £22, and adult with a baby on their lap, £22. Premium class tickets and tickets for a premium table for 2 Class is £27 for children, £37 for adults and £42 for an adult with a baby on their lap.

For more information visit www.weardale-railway.com