OKEHAMPTON Station has been turned into a winter wonderland following the arrival of a major festive event to the town.

The Christmas-themed Polar Express train rides launched on Monday, with the first paying customers taking their seats.

This is the first year the Polar Express rides have come to the UK, having previously been a big hit in the USA — Okehampton is one of only two locations in the country to hold the event, the other being Co Durham's Weardale Railway.

So far, more than 30,000 tickets have been sold for the two Polar Express experiences.

As well as drawing visitors to the town, the event has created a number of seasonal jobs for people in and around Okehampton, filling the roles of chefs, hobos and other characters from the story.

Ed Ellis, president of British American Rail Services, which operates both Dartmoor and Weardale Railways, said: 'We're excited about bringing the Polar Express experience to the UK.

'We have delighted children and their grandparents at locations across the US for years, and the story's messages of hope and belief are ideal for the holiday season.'

Throughout November and December, the railway will host the magical train trip, bringing to life the Polar Express story. Written by Chris Van Allsburg, the classic Christmas tale was turned into a hit animation film in 2004.

Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, pyjama-clad passengers will relive the magic of the story and see their favourite characters come to life, getting to see Father Christmas at the North Pole.

During the journey, the conductor will punch tickets and serve hot chocolate, just like in the film. Passengers will also enjoy a sing-song and a special reading of the Van Allsburg classic.

Among the special guests for the maiden run were representatives from local organisations and charities, competition winners, the mayor of West Devon Cllr Robin Musgrave and mayoress Jane Musgrave, and Okehampton deputy mayor Paul Vachon.

A key example of the Polar Express' widespread appeal was highlighted by Neil Edwards and his family, who travelled all the way from Torquay to get their seats upon the maiden journey of the train.

Neil said: 'As a family we are all so excited to be here today. The Polar Express is the kids' favourite Christmas film, and it has become something of a family tradition to sit down together each year and watch it as a family.

'Coming up to the station today, everything looks great. The carol singers, the tree, the lights — it really does look Christmassy.

'We are really happy to be here on the first day, we only found out about the Polar Express a couple of weeks ago, but since we booked our tickets the children have been very excited.

'It is a great way to kick off this year's Christmas, and I am sure a lot of families will feel the same when they visit.

'I was also surprised how well connected Okehampton is, it took us a lot less time to get here than we thought. It's a great place to be holding something like this.'

The Murch family travelled from Yeoford to have the Polar Express experience. Jeannette Murch said: 'We are very excited to be here tonight, having won a competition to get our seats on the train.

'The kids have been looking forward to it since we found out we were going on the train, and it all looks great. We can't wait to get aboard and enjoy the evening.'

Christine Marsh, town and county councillor, said: 'Ever since we got the news the Polar Express was coming to Okehampton, I was excited to see what the station would look like and how things would turn out.

'Seeing it tonight, it has done what I expected, and it looks great.

'The Polar Express is going to be great for the town, as it will bring people here, and give them a great Christmas experience. The kids tonight all look so excited to be here, it is wonderful.'

For event information and tickets call 08000 232383 or visit http://www.UKPolarExpressRide.com">www.UKPolarExpressRide.com