Brecon Mountain Railway was forced to cancel £60,000 worth of bookings and foot a hefty repair bill following damage from Storm Bert, it has been announced.

This festive season, both the Brecon Mountain Railway (BMR) and Vale of Rheidol Railway (VoR) have endured gale-force winds, landslides and falling trees - but proven nothing can dampen their Christmas spirit.

After being battered by Storm Bert and Storm Darragh in quick succession, both railways have faced monumental challenges, but their teams are determined to deliver Father Christmas safely to the children of Wales.

At BMR, Storm Bert caused a landslide so large it could have been mistaken for a new mountain.

The railway was forced to cancel £60,000 worth of bookings and pay a repair bill, only to have its freshly repaired tracks tested again by Storm Darragh.

Yet, through sheer grit, the team is working around the clock to keep their Santa trains running on schedule.

VoR has faced its own storm-related Grinch moment, with a red weather warning forcing the cancellation of its popular Polar Express event.

Post-storm inspections revealed up to 100 trees scattered across the track - a logistical nightmare for any railway but especially challenging during their busiest season.

"It’s been a wild ride - literally," said Stuart Williams, General Manager of Brecon Mountain Railway.

"But if Santa can make it around the world in one night, we can certainly get our trains back on track for Christmas.”

"Our teams have been incredible, pulling out all the stops to ensure that no child misses their magical moment with Santa. We’re not giving up without a fight—or at least a mince pie and a cup of tea,” he added.

For the latest service updates, visit Brecon Mountain Railway at: www.bmr.wales and Vale of Rheidol Railway at: www.rheidolrailway.co.uk