Heritage rail travel operator The Railway Touring Company is running a series of steam rail day trips to great destinations this Christmas and the Richmond and Twickenham Times series has a Premier Family ticket (worth £495) and a First Class family ticket (worth £320) to give away to two lucky competition winners.

The special steam services promise a great day out with all the fun and nostalgia of the golden days of rail travel.

Great destinations include Canterbury, York and Bath. On Saturday, December 22, the 50 year old British Rail Standard Class 75014 and the 70 year old 45407 LMS Black 5, will haul The York Yuletide Express service from St Albans, Luton and Bedford to York.

Santa Claus will be aboard the train with mulled wine and mince pies and presents for the children as these two steam locomotives with their vintage carriages speed northwards for an afternoon in festive York.

At York passengers will have a chance to explore this historic city with its ancient walls and famous Shambles, visit the splendid Minister, the National Railway Museum or do a little last minute shopping in York's renowned shops.

The Railway Touring Company's Christmas steam programme: l Saturday, December 1 - The White Rose: London Kings Cross to York.

l Wednesday, December 5 - The Bath Christmas Market: London Victoria/East Croydon/Dorking/Guildford to Bath and Bristol.

l Saturday, December 15 - The Christmas White Rose: London Kings Cross to York. Santa Claus will join the train with presents for the children and mulled wine with mince pies for the adults.

l Friday, December 21 - The Canterbury Christmas Belle: London Victoria/ East Croydon to Canterbury. Santa Claus will join the train with presents for the children and mulled wine with mince pies for the adults.

Tickets range from Standard Adult at £74 (Standard Junior £41) to Premier Family at £495. Premier tickets include full English breakfast, light lunch and a four course dinner aboard.

More information and tickets are available from the Railway Touring Company on 01553 661500 or at railwaytouring.co.uk.