The miniature steam railway train at Audley End was so packed at the weekend that our photographer Roger King had to sit on top of the engine’s tender to get his pictures - some of them through the steam.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Puffing through the steam with engine driver. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTOPuffing through the steam with engine driver. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTO (Image: Saffron Photo 2017)

Families joined in the fun riding along on the open train, going into Santa’s Grotto, where they met Father Christmas and the elves who did a dance for them and where Santa wished everyone a happy Christmas and gave the children a gift. The elves were also very helpful taking photographs of families,

Saffron Walden Reporter: Puffing through the steam with engine driver. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTOPuffing through the steam with engine driver. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTO (Image: Saffron Photo 2017)

As well as the train ride, there was a special North Pole Post Office and craft station where children can write their letters to Father Christmas and post them. There is also face painting and story telling as well as mulled wine on sale for the grown ups.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Puffing through the steam with engine driver. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTOPuffing through the steam with engine driver. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTO (Image: Saffron Photo 2017)

The Audley End Santa Special runs at weekends up to and including Christmas Eve.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Puffing through the steam with engine driver. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTOPuffing through the steam with engine driver. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTO (Image: Saffron Photo 2017)

Saffron Walden Reporter: Puffing through the steam with engine driver. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTOPuffing through the steam with engine driver. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTO (Image: Saffron Photo 2017)

Saffron Walden Reporter: Puffing through the steam with engine driver. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTOPuffing through the steam with engine driver. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTO (Image: Saffron Photo 2017)