'Mince Pie Special' goes down a treat

Photo: Laura Wild

Members of STORM, the Friends of Littleborough Stations, the Littleborough Public Brass Band, train passengers and Santa at Littleborough Station

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Passengers travelling to Manchester today (Sunday 5 December 2010) were in for a treat – on the Mince Pie Special Christmas Train.

The train from Littleborough station travelled along the Calder Valley line to Manchester Victoria where passengers were greeted by the Littleborough Public Brass Band and carol singers.

The Mince Pie Special is an annual train has run every December for many years. The aim is to encourage families to leave their cars and take the train.

Of course, Santa was on the train, handing out presents to the children and mince pies to the grown ups.

Stuart Carmichael, from STORM (Support the Oldham Rochdale Manchester rail line) and Friends of Littleborough Stations said: “Today has been absolutely brilliant, I must thank Northern for the strength of the train and for the presents they provided for the children.

“It was twice as good as last year.”

John Murray, from STORM, said: “It has been absolutely great. The train was packed to the doors. It was lovely to see all the big smiles on the children’s faces. A great day was had by all.”

Once back at Littleborough Santa picked the winning raffle ticket, number 198, for the Friends of Littleborough Stations Christmas Cake.