THE Santa steam trains to "Tinseltown" have proven to be a big success.

Last weekend 800 passengers travelled on the trains from Port Erin and Douglas to Castletown  - which is being called Tinseltown for the Christmas period - and more than 1,000 tickets have already been sold in total for this Saturday and Sunday.

Santa's chief elf, Chestnut the Elf, said: "It is wonderful that so many Santa Trains have been provided this year, including the option to travel from Port Erin.

"This means Santa and I can give out even more presents than last year to the good boys and girls of the Isle of Man."

Children have the opportunity to meet Santa at his Christmas Kingdom at Castle Rushen.

The last chance to travel on the trains to Castletown this Christmas is on Saturday, December 18.

Community, Culture and Leisure Minister David Cretney MHK said: "One of the many great advantages of travelling to Tinseltown by train are the magnificent snow covered scenes currently available from the carriage window, a truly breathtaking way to see the Island this winter."

Tickets are available now from Santa's helpers at the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal, Douglas. Pop in or call 662525 to book.