Say what you will about "Polar Express" trains you can't deny that they really bring in the punters as the hordes on the platform at Kingsley & Froghall station in Staffordshire yesterday prove. Lots of happy pyjama-ed kids.

I don't know what cut the franchise takes but the Churnet Valley Railway must be minting it over the Christmas period with all trains fully booked.

USATC S160 2-8-0 5197 was heading the train with an unidentified Class 20 diesel on the tail. As this is the southern terminus of the CVR the configuration was reversed when they set off back towards Leek.