A popular steam railway is lighting up for Christmas.

The Bluebell Railway, based at Sheffield Park Station in Uckfield, runs steam trains through the Sussex countryside.

Its Christmas light show, Steamlights, runs annually and is returning this year. 

The carriages are lit up in rainbow colours and the lights colour the dark skies. 

A spokesman for The Bluebell Railway: "A sparkling new theme and a new lighting up performance will capture your imagination. 

"The magical and spectacular light show will illuminate the winter landscape."

Previously, the Steamlights trip would provide visitors with the opportunity to see Santa Claus but a separate event has now been created involving Santa.

Family events with Santa, running on select dates from December 2 to December 23, have already sold out.

The Argus: The separate Steamlights event without Santa still has plenty of tickets.

The event lasts around 90 minutes. Before boarding the train, customers will watch the Christmas light switch on at Sheffield Park Station before taking their seats aboard the transformed steam train.

The locomotive will travel through the Sussex countryside, lighting up the surroundings as it passes.

On arrival at Horsted Keynes station, passengers will have half an hour to take pictures next to the train. 

Passengers will then reembark and head back to Sheffield Park station.

Tickets are available online here.