East Lancashire Railway to introduce BSL interpreter on Santa Specials

Monday, 14 September 2026 22:35

By David Murphy

Left to right – Station Master – Daniel Threadgold, ELR Commercial Manager – Lorna Kelly, BSL Interpreter – Marie Marshall, Family Care Group Director – Phil Williamson

The East Lancashire Railway will provide a British Sign Language interpreter on selected Santa Special trains for the first time this year.

The service will be available on selected journeys between Rawtenstall and Bury from 29 November.

The interpreter service is being funded through a partnership with Chorley-based foster care and special needs provider Family Care.

Families will be able to book places from November, with limited spaces available.

The railway introduced its first SEND Santa Special in 2023 for children with special educational needs.

Changes included reducing flashing lights on the station footbridge, spacing out characters, extending the arrival window and providing quiet carriages.

Passengers were also given signs to indicate whether they wanted characters to limit their interaction or be more enthusiastic.

The SEND service has since been expanded to several trains and dates.

British Sign Language interpreter Marie Marshall will work on selected Santa Specials this year.

She said: "I am really looking forward to being part of the Santa Express team so deaf children can have the same experience as other children."

Phil Williamson, director at Family Care Group, said: "We're proud to be supporting the ELR with their dedicated SEND Santa Specials which provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for families to enjoy this amazing trip.

"As a family-owned and community focused organisation, we have a real passion for providing opportunities for all children in the Lancashire and North West, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities. Our new partnership with East Lancashire Railway reflects our own strong commitment to supporting SEND children in the work we do."

East Lancashire Railway chairman Mike Kelly said: "We are incredibly proud to have been the first heritage railway to introduce dedicated SEND Santa Specials in 2023, creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment where families could experience the magic of Christmas together.

"Since then, we have expanded the programme each year, ensuring even more children and families can enjoy this special experience. In 2026, we are delighted to extend our reach further by providing the support of a professional British Sign Language (BSL) signer, making our events even more accessible.

"As we look ahead to the 40th anniversary of our Santa Specials in 2027, our vision is simple: that every visitor, whatever their additional needs or challenges, can experience the wonder and excitement of Christmas and create treasured memories that will last a lifetime."

The Santa Specials will run from late November until Christmas Eve.

More information is available at www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk.