A steam railway's festive charity trains are sold out.

The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway's (GWSR) Santa Specials for 2025 started with a special ride for children from the James Hopkins Trust and the Riding for the Disabled Association, who were treated to a day out with Father Christmas.

The public trains, which run every weekend until Christmas, plus December 20, 22 and 23, are now fully booked.

A power outage in Greet, where Winchcombe Station is located, posed a challenge to the volunteers who organised the event.

The special charity train had to be rerouted to Broadway, with Father Christmas riding along.

Chris Blake, a volunteer in the railway’s steam department, said: "Despite the difficulty presented by the sudden change of plan, the day was wonderful, everyone enjoying the atmosphere on the train with Father Christmas presenting lovely gifts to the children.

"Our charities said they enjoyed a very happy time meeting everyone involved with the railway, from station staff, locomotive crews, on-train catering and, of course, Santa and his many elves."

The train includes carriages specially adapted by the railway to provide comfortable accommodation for those confined to a wheelchair and their carers.

Catherine Johnson, the railway’s marketing manager, said: "I’m thrilled with how our Santa Specials have developed over the years to become what I firmly believe is the best traditional Christmas experience in the Cotswolds – and it is all organised and run by volunteers.

"The transformation of Winchcombe station to the ‘North Pole’ is magical.

"The whole experience of travelling by steam train to visit Father Christmas, enjoying the conviviality of mulled wine and mince pies and, of course, top-quality gifts for the children, really makes Christmas special for families who visit from miles around."

The GWSR is known for its Santa Specials, which are a sell-out every year.

The 48 Santa Express trains are all booked for the season.