Children have been enjoying a train ride on the Santa Express at The Cholsey and Wallingford Railway this festive season.

Trains run by Santa's elves are visited by Father Christmas with every child receiving a present during the long ride.

Before departure adults received a festive drink and mince pie, and children were given a soft drink and a sweet treat from the railway's Christmas market.

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The now sold-out event will continue to run in the leadup to Christmas but organisers are telling customers to check their social media channels for updates about next year's Santa Express.

Oxford Mail: Santa Express at The Cholsey and Wallingford Railway

The Cholsey and Wallingford Railway is volunteer-run and has won awards for the restoration of the Maidenhead Canopy, which was removed from Maidenhead to make way for the Cross Rail and Elizabeth Line.

In 2022 the volunteers won ‘Small Group of the Year’ at the Heritage Railway Association awards.

The railway has also been featured in the Daily Telegraph's “Best Railways to visit after lockdown” and on several TV programmes including ITV’s “Spirit of the South” and “Train Truckers” (UKTV).

As well as the Santa Express, the railway runs trains from Easter to October with various themed events during the year including 'Wallingford Back to the 40s' weekend, which is at the end of September.

There are also various dining events during the year including the popular 'Wallingford Fryer' fish and chips train.