PASSENGERS will have the opportunity to take a nostalgic trip back to the 1970s as the Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company launches its festive charter train to Chester.

The line is famous for historic steam trains however, the new charter train goes back to the era of maxi dresses, platform shoes and tank tops with classic diesel and heritage carriages.

The charter train will pick up passengers from Carlisle, Appleby, Kirkby Stephen, Settle, Hellifield and Clitheroe on Tuesday, November 19, for a festive trip to Chester for the Christmas Markets.

Fine dining is also available for those catching the train before Clitheroe, and there will be a buffet car for first and standard class along the route.

John Moorhouse, Settle-Carlisle Railway Development Company Deputy Chairman, said: "Following the popularity of our recent Christmas charter trains to York, we decided to offer people somewhere different this year, and Chester is the ideal location.

“Previously we have run a steam train, however, there is real nostalgia for the heritage carriages and engines from the 70s, something we have never done before.

“We are going back to the days of the slogan ‘Let the train take the strain’ and hope some passengers will get into the spirit of the day and come in 70s outfits.”

To book tickets, visit settle-carlisle.co.uk/chester-christmas-markets-special-heritage-train/