Elves drafted in for Christmas railway rush

CHRISTMAS commuters making their way home for the holidays were today greeted by an unfamiliar sight - elves to help them with their luggage.

Chiltern Railways, who operate between London, Birmingham and Oxford, laid on the festive helpers at Marylebone Station this morning on what is predicted to be the busiest travel day of the year.

The elves, comprised of actors and Chiltern Railways staff, helped passengers with their bags and tickets.

Thomas Ableman, Chiltern Railways commercial director, said: “We did it to help our customers through the great Christmas getaway. We have got eight elves throughout the station. I’ve got my head of sales as Santa.”

Chiltern placed snow machines outside the station, handed out mince pies and displayed Christmas messages on departure boards. Simon Lloyd, the company’s e-commerce manager, volunteered to dress as an elf for the day.

“I think it’s good to interact with the customers. Every time I come down I talk to the customers and this has raised a few smiles and laughs. Being a 6ft 3in man in an elf costume, people feel quite sorry for me,” he said.

The elves’ appearance in London comes days after Scottish travellers were allowed to raise a smile when talks between Scotrail and RMT averted a Christmas Eve strike.