Seaton Tramway, one of many local attractions closing today for the second national lockdown, has announced it will not be holding its popular 'Polar Express' tram ride as planned in December.

The annual 'Polar Express' experience attracts many families and youngsters in the run-up to Christmas, but the attraction released a statement today saying that the second lockdown and uncertainty over what will be allowed after December 2nd means they are unable to host the special event this year.

The statement read: "After working endlessly throughout the year to provide a COVID secure event for your families to enjoy, we have always been optimistic that we would still be able to offer this magical Christmas experience. However, the new national lockdown, along with the uncertainties surrounding what will be allowed after December 2nd, means we are simply unable to set up and deliver this event.

"We will now be putting all our efforts into ensuring The Polar Express Tram Ride 2021 is our biggest and best yet. As a charity, who has been proud to host this event since 2015, we want to ensure we can create the forever memories we know we have delivered for the past five years."

Those who had already booked the Christmas experience for 2020 will be contacted. Due to limited staff numbers, Seaton Tramway has asked customers to refrain from contacting them unless you do not receive a call within the next five days.

The statement added: "Your co-operation will help us complete inquiries faster. All of us at Seaton Tramway wish our friends, staff and visitors a happy Christmas, and we hope we'll still be able to open for our winter service in late December. The Polar Express Tram Ride will return in 2021."