The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR) has reluctantly decided to cancel its post-Christmas services - the 'Mince Pie Specials' - between 27 December and 3rd January, given growing concern about the rapid spread of the Covid-19 Omicron variant.

Janet Gough, the railway's volunteer resources director, said: "In light of the current developing situation and mindful of the safety of our volunteers and visitors, we have reached the decision to cancel our post-Christmas services.

"The fully-booked 'Santa Specials' are, however, continuing until Christmas Eve, as planned.

"We designed the Santa Specials with Covid in mind, based on the very successful service we offered last year. By using pre-booking of tickets and compartment coaches in these trains, we are able to provide built-in social distancing for family groups.

"We think this is the responsible way forward and removes any doubt about the railway's responsibility towards its volunteer staff and visitors," she said, pointing out that the railway had to cancel its post-Christmas trains last year thanks to Covid lockdown.