AROUND 300 people got to experience a magical festive train ride thanks to a county charity.

The Talking Café Christmas Express departed from Minehead on December 9, with the West Somerset Railway steam train packed with people who have attended the town's Talking Cafe in the past year.

They were given special tickets for the trip, to Williton and back, by the cafe, run by Community Council for Somerset (CCS).

"CCS village and community agents run the Talking Café at the Beach Hotel every Monday and decided to bring the community together for this special event," said a spokesperson.

"Nearly 300 people were invited on this magical adventure through the stunning West Somerset landscape, with Father Christmas greeting the travellers at the end of their journey with a gift for everyone on board - including the 30 children who entertained everyone with Christmas Carols.

"The exciting tour began at Minehead with hot chocolates keeping everyone warm at the start of their journey at the Beach Hotel.

"It was then all aboard the West Somerset Railway special Talking Café Christmas Express Train, travelling to Williton, collecting people along the way at various stations en-route.

"On returning to Minehead everyone was treated to hot soups courtesy of the lovely people at the Beach Hotel, received a gift from Father Christmas and had Carol singing in the snow!"

For more on the Community Council for Somerset, log on to somersetrcc.org.uk.

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