DO you have a long white beard?

Would you describe yourself as mischievous and mysterious, with bundles of energy?

Perhaps you have the ability to dance and sing, while handing out freshly baked cookies?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, Weardale Railway may have just the job for you this winter. The County Durham heritage line has begun its annual recruitment drive for the Polar Express and the person specifications are a little different from your typical job advert.

Last year, more than 57,000 tickets were sold for the festive train ride, inspired by the smash hit Warner Bros film. And with tickets for this year’s adventure expected to go on sale within weeks, the search is on to find a team of talented actors to bring the story to life.

Applications have been flooding in since Baltic Recruitment, the Newton Aycliffe-based company handling the campaign, published the job advert last week.

Of all of the roles on offer, the conductor is always the most sought after.

“It helps to be tall and authoritative so policemen tend to be really good,” said Chantelle Jones, of Baltic Recruitment.

“It is the star role, voiced by Tom Hanks in the film. You are responsible for meeting and greeting customers and entertaining them on board, so you have to be friendly.”

Another key role is the Hobo, described in the job advert as mischievous and mysterious, requiring “bundles of energy and enthusiasm.”

And then there is Santa Claus himself.

“Previous experience in a similar role would be an advantage,” reads the advert. “A real white beard is desirable but not essential. The ability to perform as part of a team is essential. You must be able to communication with all age groups, and have the patience and kindness to fill the boots of Santa Claus.”

Finally there are the dancing chefs, who dance and sing while handing out hot chocolate and freshly baked cookies, and the Christmas Elves who “don’t have to come from the North Pole, although previous acting experience would be an advantage.”

Auditions will take place in September and paid rehearsals start the following month.

Last year, more than 75 actors were involved in the Polar Express each night, with many more carrying out technical and support roles. The majority of employees came from County Durham.

Claire Blakey, event manager at Weardale Railway, said the standard of the applicants was consistently high, adding: “What is particularly nice is that we have actors who come back year after year because they enjoy it so much and are proud to be involved with the Polar Express.”

In April, The Northern Echo reported on an ongoing US legal dispute over unpaid royalties relating to Polar Express events. Weardale Railway’s parent company, Iowa Pacific Holdings, is involved but Ms Blakey said it would not affect this year’s festive train rides.

She said feedback from last year’s event had been positive, especially the decision to teach some cast members Makaton sign language to allow people with disabilities to engage with the characters.

“When you stage any large event there will always be some people who are not happy but on the whole the response we received was excellent,” she added.

To apply, contact 01325-731061 or chantelle.jones@balticrecruitment.co.uk