Santa specials are all set to bring some Christmas cheer to heritage railway lines around mid Wales.

All tickets have already been snapped up for the special services on the Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway on the firs three weekends of December and Monday, December 20.

But there are still other opportunities to meet the old St Nicholas on other services in the region.

All the railways are urging people to book early to avoid disappointed due to high demand.

Corris Railway is running its annual weekend of Santa Special trains on December 11 and 12. Headed by steam engine number 7, the train will leave Corris Station for a short journey along part of the beautiful Dulas Valley to Maespoeth Junction where Santa will be waiting with presents for children.

Children will also receive a soft drink and sweets whilst adults will be served mince pies and mulled juice. The Santa Trains, which must be pre-booked online at www.corris.co.uk , run at 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm and 3:30pm.

The railway offers a family ticket, for two adults and two children, at £30. Otherwise, adults travel for £7.50, children aged 15 and under £10 and infants ride free.

Talyllyn Railway is running its Santa Specials from December 22-24, with trains leaving Tywyn Wharf station at 10am, 11.45am, 1.30pm and 3.15pm for a 90-minute trip.

Passengers aboard Bala Lake Railway’s Mince Pie Special Trains will get a chance to meet Santa together with enjoying a hot drink, mince pie and brass band entertainment on December 11 and 12.

The train runs from Llanuwchllyn and on the return ride to Llangower station there will be an additional stop where Santa will make an appearance on the platform to give children a chocolate selection box, whilst adults will be offered a glass of mulled wine.

All these railways are members of MWT Cymru, an independent organisation representing more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia.