Magical service brings festive cheer

Father Christmas joined more than 60 children from nearby schools and the families of Northern staff on the very festive train decorated with tinsel. 

He delivered presents to the children with help from his elves, making the journey extra special.   

The service (on Thursday 14th December) was put on by the Northern team behind new Northumberland Line.   

The new line will bring passenger trains back into service between Ashington and Newcastle. Part of the Government’s Restoring Your Railways project, the investment will see six stations introduced on the line, as well as major upgrades to track, signaling and other infrastructure.    

Kerry Peters, regional director at Northern, said: “We wanted to spread some much-needed joy this Christmas with our Santa Express and let residents hear about the new route."

Northern will operate all passenger services on the line and is already developing plans to provide a timetable that will help local communities and have a positive impact for the region.  

As well as the new stations – Northumberland Park, Seaton Delaval, Newsham, Blyth Bebside, Bedlington and Ashington – the Northumberland Line will also result in an upgrade of 18 miles of track to provide local communities with enhanced connectivity.   

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with nearly 2,000 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.