Numbers on this year's Santa Special on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway (K&WVR) have been hit by repairs to the Ingrow Tunnel.

Chairman Graham Mitchell says many people thought the railway was still closed during the first Santa Special weekend at the end of November, with bookings down as a result.

"Bookings after the tunnel's closure took a bit of a nose dive and there was certainly a perception that we wouldn't be running it that weekend," he says.

The tunnel was closed for a fortnight in October when contractors working for Yorkshire Water accidentally dislodged brick work in the tunnel below.

Services run by the K&WVR were out of action while engineers sent in by Yorkshire Water repaired the tunnel with a steel plate.

The railway is currently seeking compensation to cover the loss of passengers during the period.

Mr Mitchell says the Santa Specials since that weekend have been booked solid, with many people buying tickets well in advance.

Due to the extra demand the railway has put on an extra Santa Special day on Monday, December 21.

A few tickets are still available for the events and more information can be obtained by phoning the railway on 01535 645214.

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