WITH just over a week left until Christmas Day, hundreds of families made a whistle-stop tour to see Father Christmas over the weekend.

The Swindon and Cricklade Railway enjoyed a busy weekend as it hosted its Santa Specials, which have been running every year since 1985.

Crowds of families with young children jumped on the steam train as it arrived at Blunsdon Station in Tadpole Lane and enjoyed the short ride to the next station where they met Santa in his grotto and were given a present.

Louise Rogers took her daughter Molly, five, to see Santa.

Molly said: “I really enjoyed it because I got to ride the train and see Santa all in one day.

“The train ride was really fun. There was lots of steam coming out and I liked seeing Santa and talking to him about Christmas.”

The Santa trains will run again on December 22 and 23 from 11am to 4pm.

Tickets are £7 for adults, £10 for children, including a present, £5 for children under three and £6 for seniors.

For more information call 01793 771615.