IT might still be the height of summer, but Santa has already started taking Christmas bookings on the West Somerset Railway (WSR).

The steam train line has published its festive season timetable which includes 19 Santa specials between December 6 and Christmas Eve.

The heritage railway is also bringing back its ‘Bad Santa’ adults only trains, which made their debut last year, with two services on December 12 and 19.

A WSR spokesperson said: “Make memories to treasure for a lifetime on our Christmas family favourite, the Santa Express.

“Step aboard our festively decorated, heritage carriages for a magical ride behind a steam locomotive through the scenic Quantock Hills from Bishops Lydeard to Williton and back.

“A gift from Santa and refreshments will be waiting for you at your table, with the man himself visiting during the journey.”

The spokesperson said ‘Bad Santa’ trains would be ‘brimming with inappropriate jokes and stories’, and by purchasing tickets, passengers accepted they were ready for ‘a night of risqué language, innuendos, and mischievous behaviour’.

They said: “Expect an evening of delicious food and hearty laughs on a steam-hauled journey on our first class Quantock Belle dining train from Bishops Lydeard to Williton and back.”

Other festive favourites returning on the WSR line include carol trains with the opportunity to disembark at stations along the route and join in with a brass band to sing Christmas carols.

There is also the first class dining train the ‘Festive Quantock Belle’ with Christmas meals provided by chef Sam le Roux, a ‘fish and chipmas’ special Bishops Lydeard to Minehead return service, and trains to carry passengers from Bishops Lydeard, Williton, and Watchet to a West Somerset Railway Christmas Market in Minehead on Saturday and Sunday, November 29 and 30.

Tickets can be booked online via the WSR website.