The Evening Post has teamed up with the Avon Valley Railway to offer deserving local children the opportunity to meet Father Christmas on board a special steam train.

The Evening Post Santa Special train steams out of Bitton station on Sunday, November 29 at 10.30am, with Santa and his little helpers on board.

Richard Coulter, the Evening Post's Assistant Editor, said: "Christmas is a very special time of year when we think of others, giving presents to and receiving presents from those who are special to us.

"Unfortunately, not everyone is in such a fortunate position and the Evening Post would like to give something to some of the most deserving children in the area in the run-up to Christmas.

"I'd like to hear from local groups who feel their children deserve the opportunity to enjoy such a special experience.

"I'd also like to thank the Avon Valley Railway for donating this Santa Special train ride, as I know they are extremely popular and seats are at a premium."

With some 200 seats available on the train, local children's groups are invited to apply for up to 30 seats each.

Groups need to explain why their organisation should be offered the opportunity for their children to meet Santa.

Avon Valley Railway's development manager David Cole said: "We're delighted to be working with the Evening Post to offer some of the most deserving children in the area a special Christmas.

"Each year we see thousands of happy children on our Santa trains, so we're very pleased to have an opportunity to extend that Christmas cheer further.

"Having this special train to launch our 10 days of Santa Special services certainly puts the icing on the Christmas cake."

● Applications for up to 30 seats should be sent to Richard Coulter, Assistant Editor, Evening Post, Temple Way, Bristol, BS99 7HD by midday on Friday (November 20), with a brief explanation of why the organisation deserves the seats. Alternatively, email Richard at r.coulter@bepp.co.uk.

The Avon Valley Railway's Santa Special trains run every Saturday and Sunday from November 29 until Christmas. They will also run on December 23 and 24.

With more than 10,000 visitors each year, advance booking is essential. Telephone 932 5538 or book online at www.avonvalleyrailway.org.

Unfortunately, due to their age, the railway carriages are not wheelchair accessible.

Standard Evening Post terms and conditions apply, for full terms and conditions visit www.thisisbristol.co.uk/competitionrules