THE Polar Express Christmas attraction has been hailed a 'great success' — its inaugural run boosted visitor numbers to Okehampton throughout the festive period and created 100 seasonal jobs.

During November and December, Okehampton Station and the Dartmoor Railway hosted the Polar Express train rides, bringing to life the classic Christmas tale written by Chris Van Allsburg and turned into a hit animation film in 2004.

At the end of the attraction's run, the number of tickets sold stood at 10,764.

The general manager of Dartmoor Railway Roger Webster hailed the attraction as a big success for Okehampton and the Dartmoor Railway: 'The Polar Express has been very successful. In many ways it has been costly to put on, but I have to say it has been a great thing for us here at the railway, and for the town.

'Firstly, Dartmoor Railway saw around 11,000 people through the doors through the time that the Polar Express was here. That is very many more people than ever before, and a lot more than we could ever normally hope for.

'In that time people got to see the station here, and took away with them Dartmoor Railway leaflets and found out more about the services we offer.

'Secondly, it has been very good for Okehampton as a town. People would arrive early and go around the town, looking around the shops. It has been a great success.

'I would say that the Polar Express should be coming back next year, almost certainly — it would be very surprising if it doesn't.'

Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, pyjama-clad passengers were able to relive the magic of the story and see their favourite characters come to life, getting to see Father Christmas along the way.

Ed Ellis, president of British American Rail Services, said: 'We're extremely proud of Dartmoor Railway and its epic accomplishment.

'The Polar Express train rides attracted over 10,000 visitors to the railway, by far exceeding any other event held at Okehampton's Old Railway Station.

'Families and Polar Express fans travelled from throughout the South West and even from as far afield as London and Oxfordshire to be part of this magical experience in its first year, boosting tourism to the region and creating 100 seasonal jobs at the railway itself.

'We'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who was involved in The Polar Express for helping to make it such a special and successful event.'

Cllr Christine Marsh described The Polar Express as 'absolutely brilliant'.

'There is due to be a wash-up meeting to see how things went and could be improved for next year, but I think most things were dealt with very well.

'I particularly think they dealt with the traffic very well. Despite all those extra visitors, I didn't have one complaint about traffic.'

Kay Bickley, chair of the town's Business Improvement District steering group, who runs a bed and breakfast, said: 'We had a family stay with us who had come for the Polar Express, and they had travelled all the way from Durham to stay with us for a couple of nights. It was a very good testament to show the sort of business brought to the town by the Polar Express.

'They ate out both nights they were here, they put money into staying with us, and were very impressed with what they saw in Okehampton and what we are putting on. I am sure that was replicated across the board in increasing the economy for a range of businesses in the town.'

Okehampton mayor Cllr the Rev Mike Davies said most of the comments he had heard about the Polar Express had been positive.

He said: 'I would certainly welcome it back to Okehampton next year. Anything that can boost visitor numbers and tourism can only be a good thing.'

As the Polar Express rides have now come to an end, the team at the Dartmoor Railway will turn their attention to the 2013 programme of attractions.

The first major event of the year will be a three-course silver service meal ride on February 15 for couples celebrating Valentine's Day.