A heritage railway is keeping on the right track with special steam and diesel train services continuing after Christmas to take people on a nostalgic trip into the heart of the Dales.

The Lancashire Fusilier, otherwise known as the Black Five steam locomotive, has returned to the Dales as the star of Wensleydale Railways hugely popular Polar Express trips which have now all sold out.

Throughout November and December 60,000 people, mostly children, are being transported on a journey to the North Pole thanks to the engine, which doubles as the world famous Christmas train. Travellers are expected to wear pyjamas and dressing gowns just as in the movie and actors take them through the story.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Black5 the steam locomotive is operating on the Wensleydale railway

The train runs from Leeming Bar station through Bedale and into Wensleydale.

While all the tickets for the Polar Express have been booked, the railway is extending trips on the steam train and a diesel locomotive after Christmas on December 28, 29 and 30.

Marketing manager Nick Keegan said: "People can shake off the post-Christmas blues with special steam and diesel train services on the railway.

"In between Christmas and New Year, the railway will be operating two days of steam services between Leeming Bar and Leyburn on December 29 and 30 and a one-day diesel service on December 28.

"The Black Five locomotive will operate the steam service on December 29 and 30, and trains will depart Leeming Bar for Leyburn on both days at 11am and 1.45pm. Visiting heritage diesel locomotive class 47, number 47701, and coaching stock will be operating three trains on December 28 and trains will depart Leeming Bar for Leyburn at 10am, 12pm and 2.30pm.

Darlington and Stockton Times: The diesel class 47 will be running on the Wensleydale railway

"Black Five no. 45407 was built for the LMS Railway in 1937 by the Armstrong Whitworth Company in Newcastle. The locomotive is based in Bury, Lancashire and a regular performer on the Settle & Carlisle route and on West Coast Railways ‘Jacobite Express’ steam services between Fort William & Mallaig."

Return tickets booked online, cost £20 for adults, £18 for seniors and £1 for children. https://wensleydale-railway.co.uk/christmas-steam/ https://wensleydale-railway.co.uk/christmas-diesel/

The 22 mile Wensleydale railway built in the 1850s, is largely run by volunteers.

Any returned tickets for the Polar Express trips may be available through the company's website tickets.yorkshiredalesthepolarexpressride.com/