TRAIN operator First Great Western is running its family carriage for the Christmas holidays.

The service will run from tomorrow until January 6.

Every child travelling in the family carriage can collect a free activity pack from the buffet, which includes games, puzzles and things to make and do revolving around the fictional Carriage Crew characters.

Always in Coach E and next to the buffet car, the family carriage runs on most off-peak services during school holidays and is always available on Saturdays and Sundays.

There are also baby changing facilities, seats with storage space for buggies and seating around tables to help families sit together.

On all First Great Western services children under five travel free and those aged five to 15 for half the adult fare.

First Great Western's twice daily e-mail information bulletin will also be provided on every working day over the Christmas and New Year period. Customers can subscribe by emailing information.services@firstgroup.com

By writing Subscribe London they will receive information about London Paddington services and by writing Subscribe Bristol they will receive information on Bristol/Oxford services.

Also, customers are advised to check journey arrangements before they travel by contacting the National Rail Inquiry Service on 08457 48 49 50.

You can also use the website www.nationalrail.co.uk or Ceefax 432.

For complimentary seat reservations call 08457 000 125.