Weardale Railway hosts 'Santa Special' festive trains

The ‘Santa Special’ trains on the Weardale Railway have been running every day in the week before Christmas, up to and including Christmas Eve.

Among those on board for a special journey earlier this week were families battling hardship and illness.

The guests were welcomed onto the train by local Bishop Auckland charity the Angel Trust to give them a Christmas to remember.

Weardale Railway Manager Wayne Dixon said: “The Weardale Railway ran the Polar Express a number of years ago. The Auckland Project bought the railways in 2020 and only restarted last year.

“It’s very different to the Polar Express. This is only a single car carriage with up to 60 people on board. It’s very intimate with entertainment and Santa on board.

“We offered the train to the Angel Trust and then they offer places to people who deserve the chance. It’s trying to connect the railway back to the communities that it serves.”

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The festive trains sold out back in September and more than 3,100 passengers will have gone on the Christmassy journey by the time the final train leaves on Christmas Eve.

Four trains a day (or two on December 24) departed a decorated Stanhope station for the house long journey with elves for guards and the chance to meet Santa and Mrs Claus.

Wayne added: “It’s too early to say exactly what but we’ll be looking to do something again next year.”

Pictures: SARAH CALDECOTT