Pupils at a Norwich school for children with complex needs have enjoyed a Christmas outing with a difference courtesy of East Midlands Railway.

Norwich Evening News: Santa Train for Harford Manor School for Complex Need children provided by East Midlands Railway_8/12/19. Picture: Clare ChaplinSanta Train for Harford Manor School for Complex Need children provided by East Midlands Railway_8/12/19. Picture: Clare Chaplin (Image: Clare Chaplin)

On Sunday, December 8, around 50 children from Harford Manor School along with their parents, staff and volunteers from East Midlands Railways (EMR) took a festive train ride from Norwich to Ely.

The aim of the outing was to give youngsters who may find public transport or busy festive attractions over stimulating, a safe and relaxed Christmas experience.

Clare Chaplin, whose seven year old son was one of those to take part in the outing said: "My Son, cannot visit Santa as he finds the queues, the grotto and stimulation far too much.

"So to have a Santa on a train passing through the carriage was the perfect gift which all the family could enjoy.

Norwich Evening News: Santa Train for Harford Manor School for Complex Need children provided by East Midlands Railway_8/12/19. Picture: Clare ChaplinSanta Train for Harford Manor School for Complex Need children provided by East Midlands Railway_8/12/19. Picture: Clare Chaplin (Image: Clare Chaplin)

"We are all truly grateful to EMR and their generous staff for allowing this magical event to happen."

Norwich Evening News: Santa Train for Harford Manor School for Complex Need children provided by East Midlands Railway_8/12/19. Picture: Clare ChaplinSanta Train for Harford Manor School for Complex Need children provided by East Midlands Railway_8/12/19. Picture: Clare Chaplin (Image: Clare Chaplin)

Norwich Evening News: Santa Train for Harford Manor School for Complex Need children provided by East Midlands Railway_8/12/19. Picture: Clare ChaplinSanta Train for Harford Manor School for Complex Need children provided by East Midlands Railway_8/12/19. Picture: Clare Chaplin (Image: Clare Chaplin)

Norwich Evening News: Santa Train for Harford Manor School for Complex Need children provided by East Midlands Railway_8/12/19. Picture: Clare ChaplinSanta Train for Harford Manor School for Complex Need children provided by East Midlands Railway_8/12/19. Picture: Clare Chaplin (Image: Clare Chaplin)

Norwich Evening News: Santa Train for Harford Manor School for Complex Need children provided by East Midlands Railway_8/12/19. Picture: Clare ChaplinSanta Train for Harford Manor School for Complex Need children provided by East Midlands Railway_8/12/19. Picture: Clare Chaplin (Image: Clare Chaplin)

Norwich Evening News: Santa Train for Harford Manor School for Complex Need children provided by East Midlands Railway_8/12/19. Picture: Clare ChaplinSanta Train for Harford Manor School for Complex Need children provided by East Midlands Railway_8/12/19. Picture: Clare Chaplin (Image: Clare Chaplin)

Norwich Evening News: Santa Train for Harford Manor School for Complex Need children provided by East Midlands Railway_8/12/19. Picture: Clare ChaplinSanta Train for Harford Manor School for Complex Need children provided by East Midlands Railway_8/12/19. Picture: Clare Chaplin (Image: Clare Chaplin)

Norwich Evening News: Santa Train for Harford Manor School for Complex Need children provided by East Midlands Railway_8/12/19. Picture: Clare ChaplinSanta Train for Harford Manor School for Complex Need children provided by East Midlands Railway_8/12/19. Picture: Clare Chaplin (Image: Clare Chaplin)