Families can get into the Christmas spirit this year with a magical trip through the Irwell Valley on board a steam train.

Tickets for East Lancashire Railway's new and improved Santa Specials are selling fast as trains are being booked up across November and December with several dates in December already sold out.

The Winter Wonderland at ELR is opening earlier, with the first train leaving Bury Bolton Street with Santa aboard on Saturday, November 26.

Passengers will be taken on an 80 minute round trip from Bury to Rawtenstall Station and meet Christmas characters, including Santa himself, who will be handing out gifts while a brass band plays traditional Christmas favourites with guests encouraged to sing along.

Adults can look forward to a mince pie and a festive tipple or soft drink while children get stuck into chocolate, juice and their brand new ELR festive activity packs.

Mike Kelly, chairman at ELR, said: “For more than thirty years generations have been enjoying Christmas at ELR. Last year I met a family of four generations who had been coming every year since the first Santa Special was launched.

“This year our Santa Specials are bigger and better than ever before with lots of new festive characters to meet and an upgraded Winter Wonderland for an even more magical experience.

“With all the additional magic we’ve added to the Santa Specials this year they are likely to sell out, we are already seeing trains across both November and December selling out as families don’t want to miss out on the festive fun at the railway.

“Families can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere with plenty of music, sweet treats for both adults and children and a gift from Santa for the children. Guests also have increased time with Santa to have a chat and snap a memorable selfie.

“A trip to the railway's Christmas celebrations has become a seasonal delight for many families and we’re thrilled that the improved experience will continue to bring the magic of Christmas to life with even more to see and do.”

Some trains on December 4, 10 and 11 are already fully booked but you can book tickets for the Santa Specials here.

Tickets for adults and children start from £23, with cheaper options for children under three.