Financial services company Friends Provident Internationl (FPI) recently teamed up with the Isle of Man Steam Railway (and Thomas the Tank Engine!) to organise a festive journey to remember.

Nearly 2,400 people boarded the special seasonal trains on 5th, 6th and 12th of December for a journey from Douglas to Santon.

There, passengers met Father Christmas and enjoyed mince pies and refreshments courtesy of FPI before returning to Douglas.

Such was the demand that no less than 16 Santa’s Trains were laid on over the three days by the Department of Tourism and Leisure.

FPI Communications Specialist Emma Ledsham, who was joined at Santon Station by Minister for Tourism and Leisure Martyn Quayle MHK on Sunday 6th December, said that Company was delighted to support such a well organised and popular Christmas treat.

"Every year at Christmas time, instead of sending cards, we like to make a contribution which will spread some Christmas cheer locally.

"Santa’s Train has become a great tradition and we were thrilled to see so many people having such a great time. It was a fun day out for hundreds of families," she said.