Blaenavon’s Heritage Railway held its first ever ghost train on October the 31st and it was a runaway success. Almost 600 passengers - mums, dads and kids - turned up to join in the fun, many dressed up for the occasion. The trains proved so popular that the half hourly timetable was abandoned and a 20 minute frequency one used instead. The tea room had a variety of appropriately ghoulish food and drink on offer including the delights of ‘Witches’ Brew’ and ‘Black Bile’, the latter a particular favourite with the passengers, whilst the on-train witches’ cavern offered children the chance to sample such appetisers as devils’ eyes and wizards’ ears or hunt for bugs in a bowl of ‘worms’.

Alex Hinshelwood, the railways traffic manager, said “the evening was an amazing success; we cannot believe just how many people turned up and entered into the fun of it. We all had a great time and are already looking forward to next year’s”. Whilst that may be a year away the railway plays host to Santa on December weekends (plus the 21st and 22nd), these are always very popular so advanced booking is recommended. You can either phone the Railway Shop on 01495 792263 or visit their website at www.pontypool-and-blaenavon.co.uk| .