Hundreds of hospital children join Santa express

Jessica said her son Rory loved the life-sized teddy bear

Children who have been in and out of hospital over the past year have had an early Christmas treat with a ride on a Santa express, and a visit from the big man himself.

Father Christmas appeared on board the train organised by Chasewater steam railway to meet youngsters from the children's ward at Walsall Manor Hospital and hand out gifts.

The Santa Special is a round trip through Chasewater Country Park, near Burntwood, starting at the railway's Brownhills West Station.

This weekend, Chasewater is welcoming about 1,300 children and families in the care of hospitals across the West Midlands.

Tara said families could enjoy time together

Tara, who was there with Honey-Grace, said the site was wheelchair accessible and families were able to have time together, adding: "On here, you've got all the colours, the lights - everything's just there. She's enjoying it."

Jessica said: "All the volunteers, all the decorating, it's such a lovely effort."

She said her son Rory was autistic and non-verbal and it was "amazing", adding: "He absolutely loves this teddy bear."

Three-year-old cancer patient Mila had a double treat when everybody sang Happy Birthday. Her mum Chanel said it "brought tears" to her eyes.

Josh said it was a really good experience for families

Lucy, there with her son Freddie, said: "You don't know when the next time is that anything's going to happen - it can be one minute fine, the next he's in hospital, and you don't know if he's going to survive or not."

Her partner Josh said the family were at the hospital last Christmas and this year's treat had been "a really good life experience".

Andrew Mould said the idea was to make people smile and give families memories

Railway event manager Andrew Mould said the team wanted to "make some smiles and family memories", adding: "We're including the whole family, so all the children will get a gift."

In an appeal in September, he said last year's Santa Special ran for a day, but this year there was more time to organise trains, lights and music, plus coal for steam.

Dave Robertson, MP for Lichfield, told the Commons 1,300 children and families were expected to attend, as he asked MPs to congratulate trustees and volunteers for their "wonderful work".

Georgie Wesley, Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust Charity fundraising manager, said: "It brings families together.

"It's so exciting for them to be on the train to meet Santa, so they're absolutely thrilled and we're thrilled they're here with us."