A TODDLER who might not survive until Christmas Day has enjoyed a magical journey on board the Polar Express to visit Santa, just two days before he has open heart surgery.

When a three-hour road closure on the A19 prevented little Theo Stevenson and his family from travelling to the ‘North Pole’ on the popular Weardale Railway attraction last week, The Northern Echo stepped in to ensure they had a festive day to remember.

Inspired by the Polar Express children’s film and book, the 16-month-old was entranced this afternoon by dancing chefs delivering hot chocolate and cookies to passengers dressed in their favourite pyjamas while the story is read aloud and the soundtrack played for people of all ages to sing along to.

Born with a congenital heart defect - called tetralogy of fallot - the youngster is undergoing his third major open heart surgery at The Freeman hospital in Newcastle.

“Theo is always happy, always dancing. His favourite film is Frozen and he has a Olaf snowman he carries everywhere.

“On Christmas Day we will in intensive care with Theo and that is if he even makes it though the operation. There is a chance that they won't be able to restart his heart again after it being stopped. Not to mention other complications that could arise,” said his mother Sarah, 29, who cares for him full-time and is married to Andy, 31, a photographer.

“When I was pregnant I was told we should have a termination but he has always been really well. We are terrified about this operation, the last one should have been simple but he knocked out a chest drain.

“He may need a heart valve replacement in future and will need life-long care, the operation this week is the biggest yet.”

Boarding at Stanhope in County Durham, a half-hour journey transports passengers to Santa’s North Pole village where the man himself and his elves board the train. On the way back he greets each child before giving them a bell cut from his sleigh and leading the singing of Christmas carols.

Mrs Stevenson from Guisborough added: "We went on the Polar Express last year and he loved it, that’s why we were so disappointed that we were told we were unable to reschedule our tickets until after Christmas but thanks to The Northern Echo it has happened.”