Stalybridge children experience festive magic aboard TPE’s Santa Express train

TransPennine Express (TPE) brought festive cheer to children this holiday season by hosting 48 children onboard three special Santa Express services on Wednesday 11 December.

The children from Bradley Green Primary Academy, Stalybridge Childminders, and Millbrook Academy enjoyed a magical journey between Manchester Piccadilly, Stalybridge and Huddersfield on TPE's Christmas-themed train.

The train was transformed into a festive grotto with Santa and Mrs Claus welcoming the children, who were each invited individually to visit Santa by Chief Elf and Mrs Claus in TPE's onboard Christmas grotto.

Each child received a gift from Father Christmas, creating lasting holiday memories.

All three groups, Bradley Green Primary Academy, Stalybridge Childminders and Millbrook Academy, were picked by staff at TPE, with Bradley Green Primary Academy chosen by the station team at Stalybridge.

For Millbrook Academy, Paul Cunningham, Area Customer Experience Manager for TPE, who helped arrange the event, found out about the Academy through his brother, who is a pastor.

Through his connections, Paul found out how the church works closely with the Academy and how the children would benefit from some Christmas magic.

Paul said, "To see the smiles on the faces of the children as they met Father Christmas and enjoyed the festive entertainment was incredibly heartwarming.

"It's always wonderful to give back to our communities, and this year's Santa Express services made it possible for children on our network to experience something truly special this Christmas."

The children were entertained by a magician who amazed the young passengers with magic tricks and were read classic Christmas stories.

The special Santa Express services were hosted onboard TPE's recently unwrapped Christmas-themed train, which supports Cash for Kids' Mission Christmas appeal.

The campaign ensures that disadvantaged children across the UK receive gifts this holiday season, helping to spread festive joy to those who might otherwise go without.

TPE encourages its customers to support the Mission Christmas campaign by donating toys or gifts at collection points or by donating online to help brighten the holidays for children in need: Mission Christmas | Cash for Kids.

Refreshments were provided onboard by TPE's partner, Rail Gourmet (RG), who also generously funded 32 gifts for the children, with 16 of the gifts funded by Manchester Airport Lost Property Fund.

Support for the event was also provided by Dukinfield and Stalybridge Rotary Club.