MERLIN the tank engine is taking children to see Santa on a railway near York after being rescued from oblivion.

The 0-4-0 Peckett Saddle steam loco has been set to work on the Derwent Valley Light Railway at Murton, following a lengthy restoration project by a group of dedicated volunteers.

"The determined and die-hard volunteers from Darlington rescued and rebuilt Merlin over an 11-year period at a cost of £137,000, collected from private donations and fundraising events," said railway spokesman Dave Thorp.

"It has been transported to York to work on the Derwent Valley Light Railway and is now hauling trains down the line to see Santa each weekend in the run up to Christmas. Children get to meet Father Christmas and receive an early Christmas present.

"The historic and delightful Murton Park station has even been decorated for the event, and parents get to enjoy sherry and a mince pie."

He said the engine would stay at the Derwent Valley Light Railway permanently, and would again run services next year, starting at Easter and running through the summer.

He claimed the railway, situated adjacent to Murton Park farming museum and near the A64 bypass, was one of York’s best kept secrets.

More than 6,000 people visited the park to see Santa last year, but the figure was likely to be exceeded following the success of the “Holidays are Coming” music video for the 'People's Soprano' Rebecca Newman, which was filmed on location at the railway.

*The Santa Specials are running each Saturday and Sunday in the run-up to Christmas and will also run on Monday December 22 and Tuesday December 23.

Tickets cost £6 for adults and £8 for children, with gates opening at 10 am and last entry at 3pm. For more information, call 01904 489966 or go to www.murtonpark.co.uk