SUCH has been the overwhelming success of this year's Santa Specials extra capacity has been added to the services run by the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway.

According to business manager Stephen Walker, the seasonal celebration of all things steam has been going from strength to strength in recent years.

He said: "It's been a superb year. We've been running this for decades and it just gets better and better."

And 2016 has been no exception, with extra carriages and trains added to try and accommodate record numbers of booking enquiries.

And if you've ever been fortunate enough to experience this quaint Christmas cracker, the announcement will hardly come as a surprise.

From the moment you roll into the Bolton Abbey car park, visitors embark on a magical mystery tour that transports them back to the golden age of steam. From the original rolling stock and advertising hoardings to the awe-inspiring authenticity of the ticket room and period props, this is the ultimate trip down memory lane for boys and girls of all ages.

And throw in Santa, his elves and a giant prancing reindeer or two, and it's all aboard for fantastic festive family fun.

The roaring fire and beautifully bedecked Christmas tree greet passengers before they take their seats in carriages fully decked with tinsel and all the trimmings. Dedicated volunteers dressed as elves, animals and even Mrs Claus are on hand to provide entertainment as excited young ones wait in eager anticipation for Santa to make his much-anticipated appearance.

And they aren't disappointed.

Chatting away to passengers, Father Christmas engages with every group, handing out toys and books to all well-behaved children!

The hour on board whizzes by in the blink of an eye, but the journey doesn't have to end there, as Bolton Abbey's station has a cracking cafe and shop selling festive fare and gifts.

A dusting of snow would have topped off the winter wonderland, but even without the weather this was a day out to melt the hearts of every child, young and old alike.

But if you want to experience the magic for yourself, you better act fast as tickets are already limited, even for the extra services.

Running dates are December 10, 11, 17, 18, 23 and Christmas Eve. Trains depart from Bolton Abbey station at 10.30am, noon, 1.30pm and 3pm. Call 01756 710614, e-mail enquiries@embsayboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk or visit embsayboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk for further information.

Richard Parker