The Avon Valley Railway are celebrating after thousands of passengers helped their Santa Specials service run at more than 90% capacity during the festive season.
The festive train rides, which ran from 30th November until Christmas Eve, carried thousands of passengers along the heritage railway line from Bitton.
The special services, during which each passenger meets Santa and his helpers as they pass through the carriages handing out gifts to young visitors, have seen their popularity grow for five consecutive years.
Commercial manager Richard Shacklock said: “We would like to thank everyone who joined us to celebrate the festive season on board one of our Santa Specials, making it our best Christmas yet.
“The Santa Specials are a magical experience for passengers of all ages, whether it’s receiving a gift from Santa himself or enjoying some festive nostalgia on board our steam train.
“Families return year after year to travel with Santa, and we see plenty of new faces too as the popularity of the Santa Specials just keeps on growing.
“Even though the way the calendar fell this year meant we were running two less days than in 2013, average numbers per train were up. It’s been incredible.
“This is testament to our volunteers’ hard work in creating a truly memorable day out for visitors, many of whom send us thank you letters.
“Record-breaking passenger numbers are, of course, more than just figures – the Santa Specials bring in vital funds for Avon Valley Railway, which couldn’t survive without its volunteers and visitors.”
The heart of Avon Valley Railway is Bitton Station, an original Midland Railway station, which like the locomotives, carriages and track, has been restored by a team of dedicated volunteers.
Without the volunteers, the locomotives wouldn’t operate or be restored, tickets wouldn’t be sold and the site wouldn’t be maintained – but thanks to them and those that visit, the railway is being restored for the delight of current and future generations.
