YOUNGSTERS from a family support group which operates in Chipping Norton embarked on a special rail journey with Santa Claus himself.

The children from Home-Start Banbury and Chipping Norton went on on a magical journey to London from Banbury aboard the Chiltern Railways Santa Train on Saturday.

The festive train, which was branded by Chiltern Railways as 'the UK’s fastest sleigh' earlier this month, was used as a special charter service for children from the group, as well as Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Bowel Cancer UK.

Chiltern Railways’ customer services director, Alan Riley, donned the red suit and welcomed the guests, then visited every child at their seat, posing for photos and presenting everyone with a gift. He said: “Spending time with each child and seeing them filled with happiness and pure joy was an experience I’ll never forget.”

Home-Start Banbury & Chipping Norton supports parents with at least one child under five who are dealing with issues such as isolation, sickness, disability, mental health issues, domestic abuse, twins or triplets, or difficult relationships.