The South Devon Railway has announced two visiting steam locomotives for its upcoming Winter Steam Gala.

The Gala is being held between the 30th December and the 1st January, featuring three locos in steam.

This gala comes off the back of a record breaking year for ticket sales on The Polar Express.

Currently in the guise of Polar Express Loco No. 1225, 7820 Dinmore Manor will feature at the gala, but will be returned to its BR Livery for the gala, and appears thanks to the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway.

7820 will be joined by Ivatt 2MT No. 41312 from the Mid Hants Railway, and appears thanks to the Mid Hants Railway.

South Devon Railway general manager, Ernest Elsworth-Wilson, said: “We held a Winter Steam Gala after our Christmas trains last year and it was immensely popular, so we’re delighted to be repeating the event, again with 7820 but also with the Ivatt as well, two engines with a great West Country heritage and providing an opportunity to ride behind locos rarely seen on the branch. We’re grateful to the Dinmore Manor Fund and Mid Hants Railway for agreeing the hire of the engines.”

He added: “The middle of winter is a great time to travel on our line, as the lack of greenery on the trees allows for some stunning views of the river and hills beyond. We are hoping to welcome lots of visitors during the last weekend of the festive break.”

An intensive timetable will run between Buckfastleigh and Totnes Riverside each day and tickets can be pre-booked on the South Devon Railway website.