In a repeat of last year’s events, the Wensleydale Railway has secured the services of Black Five steam locomotive No. 45407 The Lancashire Fusilier for this year’s THE POLAR EXPRESS™ train rides.

Working in partnership with PNP Events Ltd, the railway is the UK’s leading venue for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride event.

Running from Saturday, 12th November until Friday, 23rd December, and with 63,000 passengers set to enjoy a magical journey to the North Pole, the event will be a sellout.

After Christmas, on Tuesday, 27th and Wednesday, 28th December, the railway’s popular Mince Pie specials train services will allow customers to get rid of their post-Christmas cobwebs by travelling in style on a steam-hauled trip through the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.

Services will run hauled by The Lancashire Fusilier between Leeming Bar and Leyburn. Accommodation will be in the railway’s newly refurbished carriages, and whilst enjoying a complimentary mince pie and hot drinks will be served during the journey.

There is also a premium option with a selection of Wensleydale cheese and a glass of sherry. For children, there will be a range of activities on board including colouring, word searches, spot the difference, and The Snowman Trail with a prize if they complete the pack.

As well as running the Christmas specials, the railway serves the local community and provides tourists, families, and transport enthusiasts with a great value day out in the Yorkshire Dales. Outside the Christmas season, the railway currently operates between Scruton in the Vale of Mowbray and Leyburn on the outskirts of the spectacular Yorkshire Dales National Park.

The Lancashire Fusilier was built for the LMS in 1937 by the Armstrong Whitworth Company in Newcastle. It is based at Bury in Lancashire and regularly works over the Settle and Carlisle route and on West Coast Railways “Jacobite Express” steam services between Fort William and Mallaig.

A spokesman for the railway said:“ The return of the Black 5 locomotive is a wonderful way to end our 2022 operating season. We are excited to once again host the hugely successful Polar Express Christmas event and showcase Wensleydale Railway to visitors from across the UK”