SEVERN Valley Railway is set to capture the magic of Christmas after dark with a new evening addition to its hugely-popular Santa train services.

Tickets for the SVR's much-anticipated Christmas 2017 services are now on sale, with an all-new addition adding extra sparkle to this year's repertoire.

The Santa Sleigh Express, between December 19, and December 22, promises to give visitors a truly magical, premium experience to make their festive season one to remember.

Passengers will board the waiting steam train at Kidderminster station for an evening journey to Highley and back, full of festive treats and the company of a very special guest - Father Christmas. He will visit passengers at their seats, meeting families, handing out presents to children and posing for festive selfies. Families will receive a special gift for their Christmas tree and souvenir photo of their group with Santa.

Trains depart from Kidderminster at 4pm. Tickets are booked in tables of four or private compartments of six.

Back by popular demand, the sell-out Santa Steam Specials return to kick-start the SVR's festive schedule - running every weekend between December 2, and December 24. The fleet of steam locomotives will take families on a journey from Kidderminster, to meet Santa and his team of elves in his special grotto at Arley station.

Always a sell-out, visitors are encouraged to book their tickets in advance, with fares starting from £14.50 per person.

Another firm favourite, the Santa Herald services return between December 19, and December 22, when Santa will visit everyone on the train, handing out presents and posing for photos, during the journey to Highley.

For fans of a good seasonal sing-along, the SVR's Christmas Carol Trains return on December 2, 9, 16 and 23, while an indulgent festive treat is on offer thanks to the Christmas Carvery at the Engine House Visitor Centre on December 12, 13 and 14.

And when all the excesses of Christmas are over, those looking for a way to relax can enjoy the SVR's Festive Season Services, running from Boxing Day into the early new year.

Lewis Maddox, SVR's events and footplate experience co-ordinator, said: "This year should be an extra special and exciting Christmas for us, with the launch of our brand new Santa Sleigh Express services.

"The festive season is always a wonderful time of year for us and we are really looking forward to making this one more magical than ever for the thousands of people who come to the Railway to enjoy an unforgettable Christmas experience."

Tickets for the festive services are now available to book by visiting svr.co.uk.

You can also book the Santa Sleigh Express, Santa Steam Specials, Santa Heralds and Christmas Carol Trains by calling 01562 757900. The Christmas Carvery at the Engine House can be booked b calling 01746 862387.