AN artistic youngster from Kidderminster has seen her own design starring at the forefront of this year's Severn Valley Railway's festive services after winning a special competition.

Katie Webber, 12, was named as the winner of a competition to create a new, festive headboard to adorn the front of one of the headline locomotives at the heart of this year's Santa Steam Specials.

Her colourful design, featuring a Christmas pudding dressed in a Santa's belt and buttons and SVR berries, surrounded by snowflakes and a shining star, was chosen from scores of entries and is now proudly displayed at the helm of locomotive no. 34027 'Taw Valley'.

Katie unveiled her design in person, along with her dad David, mum Wendy and eight-year-old Chloe, at a special ceremony at the Railway on Saturday (December 2), the launch day of the 2017 Santa Steam Specials. After a tour of the locomotive's footplate, the family climbed on board their train for a trip to Arley to meet Santa in his grotto.

Having entered the competition in August, Katie said her design was inspired by her family tradition of enjoying a filling Christmas pudding every festive season and that she hoped she would win so that she could enjoy a Christmassy day out with her family.

David said: "We are ecstatic to have won.

"I used to volunteer in the car park at the SVR many years ago around Christmas time, so it is great to be able to return to enjoy it at this time of year again."

Clare Gibbard, SVR marketing and communications manager, added: "Katie's design really stood out to us as festive and fun and it looks fantastic on the front of our locomotive for all for all our visitors to see during our busiest time of year."

More than 30,000 people are expected to visit the Railway this month to enjoy no less than 100 festive services - including Santa Steam Specials, Santa Heralds, Christmas Cracker Expresses, Carol Trains and Santa Sleigh Express service.

People still hoping to book tickets for the festive services, should call 01562 757900.