The GWR's first-ever online ticketing venture, for the 2009 Santa Special season, has been a real success with over 3,000 tickets sold in this way so far - around half of the total number of tickets sold to date.

The system allows anyone to order tickets from anywhere in the world and there have been some from overseas.

Explains webmaster Steve George: "The prize for the most distant order must be from Costa Rica for a family visiting the UK for Christmas, although there have been orders from some from European countries too.

"3,000 tickets ordered through the website in little more than a month is, I think, an impressive start.  Some orders have been in excess of £100.

"This really does underline how easy it is to buy tickets through our secure issuing system and we're looking forward to seeing the concept develop.  I expect to be able to announce expansion to other train services within a few days."

The system enables buyers to go online, choose the day and, for the Santa Specials, the train on which they want to travel (and they will be told if the train is fully booked).  Previously, tickets were issued and allocated manually, which put a lot of pressure on volunteer staff especially at busy times.  The same technology is used to issue Santa Special tickets ordered by telephone or in person at Toddington station.

The tickets, which carry full details of the booking, are delivered in a smart wallet.  Travellers have already commented on both the efficiency of the ordering system and how the tickets look.  One satisfied Mum from Coventry told us: "They are beautifully presented and it really makes you feel that you are going out on a special occasion.  It's the first time I've bought anything online and it was a lot easier than I expected.  You do wonder whether it will work but the tickets came only two days later - brilliant service!"