Christmas is coming early with Santa already taking an avalanche of phone calls.

Volunteers at the famous Keighley and Worth Valley Railway have received a record number of enquiries to their 'Santa Hotline', which opened on Monday.

Tickets for the Santa Steam Specials are always popular but with fares held at last year's prices and special discounts available demand is high.

Tickets are now available for the four weekends before Christmas. Passengers join Santa and all his pixies and elves for a one hour steam train journey through Bronte Country.

All children receive a present from Santa and adults receive a mince pie and a seasonal drink. The famous award-winning real ale buffet car is also available on the train.

K&WVR spokesman Trevor England said: "We ran our first Santa Special many years ago and a lot of the children who travelled then are now returning with their own children and grandchildren for what is always a magical experience".

Tickets cost £10 (adults and children four to 15 inclusive) and £5 for children aged six months to three years. Children up to six months travel free and a special discount is available to passengers travelling on the first weekend.

To book tickets or for further details phone 01535 645214.