Tyne Valley Community Rail Partnership (CRP) helped to spread festive cheer between Newcastle and Hexham in December with their Santa Express Train.  

An extra two coaches decorated with stickers and streamers were added to the Northern train so 70 excited school children aged four to six, many of whom had not been on a train before, could enjoy the festive trip.

Whistle the Dog, Northern’s new mascot, welcomed the children at Newcastle Central Station prior to the journey along the Tyne Valley.

Whistle was accompanied by Arlo the Badger from Bessie Matthews’ pick-a-path rail safety book Arlo’s Adventures, to make sure the children were staying safe as they learnt about the railway and enjoyed their festive day out.

Joseph Codling, Director of Tyne Valley CRP, said: “The Santa Special was a delight for everyone involved. It was a fantastic day – all the kids loved it, and it was great for Northern to do something positive for the community.

“There have also been enquiries about Tyne Valley CRP’s education offer as a result of this event, which is great for extending our youth engagement work.”

One of the headteachers involved said: “Thank you so much for letting us take a class on the Santa Train. The children had a blast and loved interacting with Santa – it was such a fun trip for them. They were all so excited and happy with their gifts.”

Keep up to date with future news, projects, and events from Tyne Valley CRP via their website.