SERIOUSLY ill and bereaved children were given a special Christmas treat last week.

Despite it being the busiest time of the year for the volunteer-run Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR), with thousands of families taking the train to visit Father Christmas, the group made time to give a group of children a special trip.

Children and their families, who are supported by Acorns Children's Hospice and Winston's Wish, the childhood bereavement charity, were taken from Cheltenham Racecourse to the ‘North Pole’ at Winchcombe Station on Friday.

All children received a gift from Father Christmas and everyone enjoyed refreshments at Winchcombe, including warm mince pies made especially for the railway.

Chris Blake, a volunteer in the locomotive department, said: “Christmas is a special time for most families and we have for many years operated ‘Santa Specials’ for them — it’s the busiest time of the year for our railway.

“But for some, Christmas can be difficult. Those with children who are very seriously ill or have lost loved ones for example, and we wanted to give them and their families something that will make them smile.

“So Father Christmas paid us an extra visit and handed out presents to these rather special youngsters.”

The steam locomotive was provided free by its owners with the railway’s coal supplier providing two tons of free coal.

Treena Barnes, volunteers manager for Acorns, said: “We’re so grateful to everyone at GWSR. The Santa Special steam train trip was a magical highlight and a real treat for our children and families this Christmas.”

Helen Fisher, senior practitioner at childhood bereavement charity Winston's Wish, said: “The Santa Special from GWSR is a very generous gesture and it gives bereaved children permission to have fun at Christmas time. Even if you’re having fun, it doesn’t mean you’ve forgotten the person who died.”