EXCITED families visited Santa in style on the last of four festive weekends staged by the Swindon and Cricklade Railway.

Hayes Knoll station was transformed into the North Pole for the popular Christmas steam train experience, with passengers boarding at Blunsdon and Taw Valley Halt.

On arrival, children and their parents were greeted by Frosty the Snowman.

He dished out high fives and some warm hugs to youngsters who jumped off onto a platform decorated with tinsel, some festive lights and wreaths.

'Frosty' told the Adver: “On average we see around 200 people a day, which is lovely.

"I think it’s the whole experience of riding on the train, seeing all the decorations and coming to see Father Christmas that rekindles childhood memories for the adults and is lovely for the children. It makes you feel humble inside knowing you’ve done a good day’s work.”

Swindon and Cricklade Railway has welcomed more than 1,500 parents and children over the past month.

Children waited in line outside Santa’s grotto and were thrilled they would get the chance to meet the red-suited gift-giver.

Amanda Bailey and her husband Chris were with their two children, George, 5, and Jay, 2.

“We came here for the first time three years ago with just George but he still remembers it," said Amanda, of Moredon. "We love the older history of the steam trains, the kids love Thomas the Tank Engine, so they really enjoyed it.”

George said: “The trains are really cool and I do remember coming here before and it was so much fun. I was scared of the snowman before but not today and I did say hello to him.”

A family of 12 were in the queue, with some of them travelling from America to see their relatives here in Swindon.

It was an added bonus for them to be able to take the children to see Santa.

One little boy called Wrenn, 4, was given an orange and green car and was so excited he opened it straight away.

His mum, Trisha Paisey of Taw Hill, said: “It was amazing, it was really lovely. It’s our first time here but we have been to a couple in Bristol. It’s really nice here because when you get to see Santa you still get to sit and have tea and coffee.

“My son Wrenn loves his present, it’s really great and a good gift for his age.”

Santa gave out many presents, including cuddly toys, Lego, cars and trains to all the good boys and girls.

All of his helpers were busy lifting the festive spirits and making sure everybody had a great time.