VIDEO: All aboard Northern’s Santa Express

Dozens of children from nearby schools and the families of Northern staff enjoyed a Christmas adventure – complete with carol singers, mince pies, and a very festive train decorated with tinsel. 

The special service (on Monday 12th December) followed the new Northumberland Line.  

And most exciting of all – Santa Claus delivered presents to children onboard along with one of his elves. 

Earlier this year the Department for Transport provided £34m towards detailed design and preparatory works which will allow for the reintroduction of a regular passenger rail service between Ashington and central Newcastle, with several stops in between.  

Kerry Peters, regional director at Northern, said: “We wanted to spread some much-needed joy this Christmas with our Santa Express and let residents – and Father Christmas - get a glimpse of the new Northumberland line.  

“Northern will operate all passenger services and is already developing plans to provide a timetable that will help local communities and deliver this positive impact for the region.” 

“It was wonderful for the children to see the route they will be able to travel on and enjoy in the near future.” 

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’s new timetable has now come into effect and all customers, especially those who have made regular journeys on the same train times, are advised to check online journey planners before they travel to ensure their service operates at the same time and calls at the same stations. You can also check changes specific to your local station using Northern's new 'Check My Timetable' feature. 

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.