ACTORS and dancers from Okehampton are being invited to audition to be part of the cast for the Polar Express train ride, which returns to the town this winter.

Okehampton Station was turned into a winter wonderland last winter, with the Dartmoor Railway hosting the magical train trip, bringing to life the Polar Express story. Written by Chris Van Allsburg, the classic Christmas tale was turned into a hit animation film in 2004.

Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, pyjama-clad passengers will relive the magic of the story and see their favourite characters come to life, getting to see Father Christmas at the North Pole.

Organisers are looking for singers, dancers and actors to try out for a variety of roles on Wednesday, October 2 at the Exeter Phoenix.

Polar Express event manager Tiffany Arthurs and leading 2012 cast member Jack Lovegrove will hold the auditions to find regional talent who can bring characters from the book to life, including conductors, chefs, hobos and dancing elves.

Tiffany said: 'We're looking for enthusiastic, energetic and gifted people who are full of Christmas cheer to join our on-board crew to take children and their families on a magical journey on the Polar Express to the North Pole. Being great at one of these roles will make a real difference to people's experience on this attraction and their Christmas.

'Successful applicants must be available between Friday, November 16 and Friday, December 27 for the train rides. Not only will they be part of an exciting, Warner Bros-backed Christmas event, but they'll receive a fantastic seasonal job package, including accommodation for those based further afield.'

Budding actors, singers and dancers must send a CV and headshot to Tiffany at [email protected]">[email protected] before midnight on September 30. Successful applicants will then be provided with a time slot for an audition.