THE Santa Specials return this Sunday to the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway.

The charity run train service will welcome back Father Christmas on board as he visits children on the train and hand out presents.

Adults meanwhile can enjoy seasonal refreshments.

It has been an exciting time for the train company as in October 20 trains ran through the Chiltern Hills between Chinnor and Princes Risborough for the first time in 57 years.

The trains were so popular, some passengers had to stand, but you are guaranteed a seat when you book for the Santa Specials running from Chinnor this December- starting on Sunday- on the seven mile round trip.

Father Christmas will be on board on Saturdays and Sundays in December up to the 22nd.

There are five trains each day departing between 10.15am and 3.30pm.

These trains are Buckinghamshire’s and Oxfordshire’s only Santa Specials that offer a genuine steam train ride of more than just a short distance and duration, with each train taking around 45 minutes for its journey.

Jolly old St Nick is happy for just a few dogs to travel on his train so long as they do not steal his presents, pull his beard, or chase his reindeer. Tickets for these trains start at £10 each but there are savings to be had if travelling on or before December 8. Tickets can be booked by visiting www.chinnorrailway.co.uk/santaspecials or by calling 01844 354117.

There is no need to book for the Mince Pie steam trains on December 29/30/31 but the evening Carol Service train on December 14 must be pre-booked.