I took my son on a Christmas steam train ride and it was magical

I have always loved Christmas, but now that I am a mum I know exactly what people meant when they said how much more special it becomes when you have your own children.

I know I sound like an absolute walking cliché here, but there is genuinely no gift greater than seeing your child's little face light up. And while I am traditional in that I don't put my tree up until December 1, when it comes to Christmas events, I have no qualms in getting in the festive spirit in November, which is exactly what I did last weekend at the East Lancashire Railway.

The ELR has a long and rich heritage, from all the way back when the very first trains steamed into Bury Station in the 1840s. I am a bit of a steam train nerd ever since reading the first Harry Potter book, so I was extremely looking forward to hopping onboard the heritage steam locomotive.

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Our adventure began at Bury Bolton Street Station, which is just over an hours drive from Liverpool. There is parking next to the station but, due to a Christmas related jumper emergency, we arrived a little late and this was full, so I would make sure you get there in plenty of time to grab a space.

However the magic began pretty much as soon as we stepped into the station and saw it transformed into a beautiful winter wonderland.

From carolling polar bears to a talking Christmas tree and meeting Mrs Claus herself, my two-year-old didn't know where to look and this was only the beginning.

The platform was absolutely buzzing as we waited alongside other excited families for the historic steam train to roll in. Like in the winter wonderland there were a number of magical characters including elves, nutcracker dolls, gingerbread men and snow fairy princesses on the platform to meet and get pictures with.

We even hopped on board a huge Santa's sleigh stationed on the platform and got a very cute Christmas photo, if I do say so myself. But then it was time for the main event as we excitedly stepped onboard the train.

When you purchase your tickets, which are priced at £31 per adult, £30.50 for children or £48 for an adult with a child under 3, you will choose a carriage and a seat number.

Once we were seated a very helpful elf came around and gave myself and my partner a bag with a little bottle of Baileys and a mince pie in, which has in my opinion set the bar very high for all future child related events. Children also get given a Christmas themed activity booklet with crayons, some chocolate coins and a fruit drink.

And then we were off, on the 80 minute journey to Rawtenstall and back. The train was every bit as festive as I had imagined and we were even treated to a live brass band who entertained us with a number of Christmas classics.

However the moment we had all been waiting for was the very special visit from the man himself. Every family got one on one time with Santa, who was only too happy to pose for pictures and chat, after he gave out a lovely present to each child onboard. My only Christmas wish was that the journey could have lasted even longer as we all absolutely loved it.

Santa Specials train runs from November 23 to December 24. For more information, visit the East Lancashire Railway website. You can book tickets for the Santa Specials here and for the SEND Santa Specials here.