Around 100 passengers travelled on the Santa Special from Melksham to Swindon and back

The afternoon trip was organised by Graham Ellis and John Hamley, of the Melksham Rail User Group (MRUG).

During the journey, Santa handed out presents to the children, who were accompanied by parents and volunteers.

Mr Ellis said: "We'd like to say a big "thank you" to Great Western Railway for running the train and providing the tickets, to Melksham Tourist Information for selling the tickets, to The Toy Shop in Melksham to helping Santa's elves choose the presents, to the GWR staff up to director level who helped in the planning and on the day, to all the MRUG volunteers who helped, and of course to Santa himself and to all the parents, grandparents, guardians and children who came along too.

"Last Sunday was special – but the train through runs all year except Christmas Day and Boxing Day."

As from last Sunday, services from Melksham will run even longer each day – from 5.33am to 9.10pm. Times vary at weekends and holidays.

There's a full timetable on the MRUG website at http://www.mrug.org.uk.