SPECIAL steam trains are being run by the West Somerset Railway (WSR) for the two days of its annual Christmas market.
The market is being held on Minehead Railway Station on Saturday and Sunday, November 30 and December 1.
The railway is offering two ticket options for the trains, one a return from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead, and the other from Williton/Watchet return.
Bishops Lydeard trains will depart at 10.50am, calling at Williton from where it will leave at 11.26am, and then pull out of Watchet at 11.35am.
The return service will leave Minehead at 3pm, allowing passengers plenty of time to enjoy the market and to do more shopping or take lunch in the town.
Passengers will return to Watchet at 3.33pm, Williton at 3.43pm, and Bishops Lydeard at 4.18pm
The Friends of Minehead Station’s ‘Readers Halt’ stall will be open on both market days, along with the station shop and cafe.
The Christmas market trains will be the first in a packed programme of specials in the lead-up to December 25.
As well as the WSR’s ever-popular Santa Expresses and carol trains, there are also panto trains, Quantock Belle dining trains, festive spirit specials, light refreshment outings with sherry and mince pies or afternoon teas, and Bad Santa trains for adults only, which are new this year.
The WSR has advised pre-booking for the special services, more details of which can be found on its website or by calling 01643 704996.