VILLAGE and community agents gave around 300 local people a steam train festive experience on the Talking Café Express aboard the West Somerset Railway last Monday (December 9).

The Community Council for Somerset (CCS) agents run the Talking Café at the Beach Hotel in Minehead every Monday and decided to bring the community together for this special event.

Tickets were given to those who have attended over the past year as well as some of the communities and groups that the CCS agents work with, as a thank you for taking part in the Talking Cafés and making them a success.

Nearly 300 people were invited and Father Christmas greeted the travellers at the end of their journey with a gift for all on board – including the 30 children who entertained everyone with Christmas carols.

Around 34 families took part from Home Start, the West Somerset charity that offers support, friendship and practical help to local families in their own homes.

"The train ride was a truly magical trip," said Home-Start manager Clare Pound.

More pictures and the full story are in today’s Free Press.