Nene Valley Railway appeals for help after Santa trains cancelled by Covid-19

The popular attraction said: “For visitors from both near and far the most popular event of the year is without doubt the Santa trains that run every Christmas.

“This Christmas things have been different. With the regulations in force and allowing for changes in them the railway has had to adapt.

“This has meant that the railway has had to run less trains with fewer passengers on each. Carriages have had to be cleaned by a team of volunteers between services and lots of extra work has been needed. It is fair to say that without the volunteers working with and supported by the small paid staff there would have been no Santa trains.

“The railway did not wish to disappoint all the children and Santa wanted to be there to meet them and make sure they all got a present.

“In all the railway managed to run 15 trains before Peterborough was put into Level 4 restrictions. This was half of what the railway intended to run with the last four days of services being cancelled.”

Refunds are now being issued to passengers, but a number of items bought for the event can no longer be used.

Nene Valley Railway added: “The presents of course can be saved for the young visitors next year, but there is also the food, soft drinks etc that will now be wasted. This is a cost to the railway.

“But the majority of the income comes from fare-paying passengers and visitors - the lack of both this year has depleted the railway’s finances and other methods of fundraising are having to be tried.

“If you feel you are able to support the railway with a donation then please contact the office at the Wansford station.”

The number to contact the office is 01780 784444.