MANY families trying to secure their seats on the popular Santa Special rides at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway this weekend have been left disappointed after the attraction's booking system crashed.

Customers hoping to book tickets for the annual festive event — which gives youngsters the chance to meet Santa on the steam train, and his elves at the station — were unable to book tickets online yesterday (Saturday) or today (Sunday).

This means that anyone wishing to enjoy the Santa Special will have to take their chances by turning up at the ticket office in Havenstreet, hoping for tickets purely on a first-come, first served basis.

The attraction said: "Following the loss of internet at Havenstreet due to external contractors 'in the village', we have now been told that unfortunately we will not be back online until tomorrow (Monday).

"Therefore, the remaining Santa Special tickets will be sold from the booking office at Havenstreet.

"We cannot reserve any tickets. There are currently spaces available on the 12.20pm, 1.15pm and 2.33pm trains.

"We will also only be able to accept cash in the cafe and shop. Apologies for any inconvenience."

The attraction explained the fault — being fixed currently by contractors — was also affecting its emails and phone lines, with the mobile signal in Havenstreet described as being "very poor". 

"The external contractors are working hard to get us back up and running, and we will let you know once we are back online. Thanks for your patience," the attraction added.