Lapland Express pulls into local station

Railway Chairman Michael Collins said, “If you haven’t been down yet, you’re really missing a Christmas treat as Santa really gets everyone into the festive mood on board his Workshop Train, singing Christmas songs and teaching the children how to go ‘ho ho ho’.”

Mr. Collins adds, “Unfortunately, while we’ve asked Santa to climb down a chimney so the children can see how he does it, he thinks using the steam engine’s chimney just isn’t on!”

The steam train will be leaving the railway station on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th at 2pm and then approximately every 45 minutes till 5pm, but if you want to beat the queues Mr Collins advises people to come around 3pm or 4pm.

Santa will also be providing his guests refreshments on the buffet coach. Fares are £5.50 for adults, £8.00 for children over three, and a reduced fare of £5.50 for children under three and £5.00 senior citizens. Tickets cannot be booked in advance.

For more information, contact the Downpatrick Tourist Information Centre on 028 4461 2233 visit the railway’s website at www.downrail.co.uk or www.facebook.com/downrail.