A FINANCIAL donation from a local house builder meant Christmas came early for foster children across North Yorkshire.

Earlier this year, developer Mulberry Homes Yorkshire gave £1,500 to Wensleydale Railway.

The money enabled the railway to market its Santa Special trains but, more importantly, to put on a dedicated service for children in foster care.

In early December, 58 children, along with 44 adults, boarded the Santa Special at Leeming Bar for a magical trip on the historic line.

Joining the train was Santa and his elves who dispensed lots of Christmas joy, and presents for both children and adults.

Emma Ryder, from Wensleydale Railway, said: “This was the first time we have been able to put on a dedicated service like this and it was down to the kind donation from Mulberry Homes Yorkshire.

“The children, and adults, had a fantastic time and we received some lovely feedback about what it had meant to them.”

David Meacham, sales and marketing manager for Mulberry Homes Yorkshire, said: “We are delighted that so many children were able to enjoy their own exclusive Santa Special.

“We are building homes just yards from Wensleydale Railway so being able to help local organisations and charities which do so much good in the community is our little way of giving something back.”