SANTA is swapping his sleigh for a train in a series of special guest appearances at Colne Valley Railway.

He's ditching reindeer power and moving over to steam at the museum in the run-up to Christmas.

Visitors can climb aboard a festive locomotive and gently roll down the line while Santa delivers Christmas presents to all the youngsters.

Other activities include the model railway, interactive museum, visits to the signal box and the garden railway.

The Steam With Santa days take place every weekend in the run-up to Christmas and on Monday, December 23.

Trains depart between 10.30am to 4.30pm, although not all run every day, and a buffet service is available.

Seat prices are £12 (£5 0-2-year-olds).

To book, call 01787 461174 or visit colnevalleyrailway.co.uk.

There is more seasonal railway fun at Chappel's East Anglian Railway Museum with children's favourite Thomas the Tank Engine.

Youngsters can join the jolly blue engine and meet the Fat Controller, as well as station sweepers Rusty and Dusty.

Thomas is pulling into the museum this Sunday, and the following two weekends before Christmas, from 10am to 4.30pm.

Online ticket prices are £15 (£11 children, under-two free) from earm.co.uk.