All aboard the 'Steam and Lights' service this Christmas

Swanage Railway's getting a very brightly coloured Christmas train service this year.

The traditional 'Santa Special' cant operate this year because of the extra measures in place due to Coronavirus.

Instead, a new pre-booked steam train service will be covered in brightly coloured lights while it travels through the Isle of Purbeck during December.

Socially distanced seating will also be in place.

The Swanage Railway volunteer Commercial Director Steve Williams said:

“This new ‘Steam and Lights’ train service in the run-up to Christmas is a festive first for the Swanage Railway and we are very excited because it will be very special and out of this world – colourful, evocative and dramatic.

“The need to keep our passengers and staff safe against the threat of Covid-19 – by following social distancing and the wearing of face coverings – means that we cannot run our traditional, and very popular, Santa Special trains where Father Christmas gives presents to children on the train and has his photograph taken.

“With the help of an experienced and reputable company specialising in synchronised lighting and music, we have been working very hard to design a special festive train service that will make wonderful and magical memories for children and adults in the run-up to Christmas."