Published on: Tuesday, 8 December 2015
Last updated: Wednesday, 5 October 2016
FatherChristmas swapped his sleigh for an Abellio Greater Anglia train on Sunday 6thDecember to deliver festive fun and gifts to children on the Crouch Valley line(between Southminster and Wickford), as well asraising money for the Little Havens Children’sHospice.
This is the twelfthyear that Santa has chosen to travel on the Crouch Valley line, leaving hissleigh behind, giving Rudolph a well-earned rest and opting for the convenienceof the train.
Organised by the Essex and South Suffolk Community RailPartnership in partnership with Abellio Greater Anglia, two Santa trains operatedat 11.06 and 13.06.
There was lots of festive fun on board including carolsinging, a Christmas wish tree and a name the fairy competition. Over 150children attended and all received a gift from Santa and an activity pack.
Theadults didn’t miss out either, a Christmas themed quiz, raffle and tea, coffeeand mince pies were available to enjoy.
During the event, over £600 was raised for Little Havens Children’s Hospice through a raffleand a refreshment and tombola stall run by Little Havens at Wickford railstation.
LyndaStone, Essex & South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership Officer said: “TheSanta trains were a sell-out success again this year. We had lots of fun andthe children really enjoyed themselves. We were delighted to raise over £600for a very worthy cause and would like to thank everyone for their generosity.”