STEAM-powered trips to see Father Christmas in his grotto are to be offered by the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway during the festive season.

Its Father Christmas time-table begins on Sunday, December 1, with trains also operating on December 7, 8, 14, 21, 22, 23 and Christmas Eve.

Four services depart each day, taking carriagefuls of youngsters full of festive excitement on a round trip from Toddington to Winch-combe with the highlight an audience with Father Christmas.

Children over two get a present, while adults get tea or coffee and mince pies around a coal fire in Winchcombe Station, with squash and biscuits also laid on.

All profits from these services will go towards the further development of the volunteer-run railway, which expects to open to Cheltenham in April next year.

The cost is £8.50 a head, and bookings are now being taken. Forms can be obtained by writing to Father Christ-mas Specials, Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, The Railway Station, Toddington, Gloucestershire GL54 5DT.