SANTA Claus will be in residence on the Dartmoor Railway throughout December, swapping reindeer power for good old-fashioned steam! Mr Claus is forsaking his draughty sleigh this year and jumping onto a steam train instead to deliver his presents and messages of goodwill on the Dartmoor Railway, Okehampton. Throughout December, children of all ages will be able to meet Father Christmas while their parents enjoy the odd mince pie and a glass of mulled wine. The Christmas fun began last weekend when Santa moved into his train grotto and handed out presents to each child during a round trip from Okehampton to Sampford Courtenay and Meldon. Dartmoor Railway said: ?Once on the steam train, families are seated in warm, comfortable coaches and Santa comes to visit each child in turn. People do not have to get off and queue in the cold. ?This year?s Santa trains will be the first time the newly restored LMS Brake Van will be in use on the Dartmoor Railway. The vehicle?s restoration was paid for by the Friends of Dartmoor Railway and the works were carried out by volunteer workers.? The ?Santa Special? trains have proved to be very popular with families in the past and Dartmoor Railway advised that booking is essential. As well as running last weekend, the steam trains will be running on Saturday December 8 and Sunday December 9. Diesel Santa trains will be running on December 15, 16, 22, 23 and 24, where Santa will be in his grotto and his elves will take children to see him. Each train journey last one hour and twenty minutes and trains depart Okehampton at 11.20am, 1.20pm and 3.20pm. After Christmas Dartmoor Railway will be running ?Mince Pie Special? trains from December 27 to January 1. For further information and to book tickets, Dartmoor Railway can be contacted on 01837 55667 or 55637.