All aboard! Northern's 'Polar Express' for Alder Hey kids is about to depart

And he won’t be coming empty handed as Radio City’s Cash for Kids charity will be supplying early Christmas presents for the children.

Paula Burton, of Northern, said: “We really wanted to do something exciting for the children at Alder Hey who have been through so much.

“Christmas has always been a time for giving and the Northern Polar Express – with carriages full of festive decorations - is just one way in which we can make this year extra special from some very important passengers.”

The journey will see the children travel from Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Victoria and they will have a star studded send off as WBC Cruiserweight Champion Tony Bellew, Everton FC players and stars from Coronation Street will be on the platform to give them a festive farewell.

They will also have musical accompaniment in the form of Christmas carols sung by a choir of schoolchildren from St Bridget’s Catholic Primary School in Warrington.

Ceri Dobson, headteacher at St Bridget’s, said: “The pupils were honoured when asked to carol sing for the children from Alder Hey Hospital.

“As part of our Advent promises, we have been thinking about how we can help others as we get ready for Christmas, instead of just thinking about ourselves and what we would like on our Christmas lists.

“We are really looking forward to spreading a little Christmas cheer to those less fortunate than ourselves.”

Paula added: “The support we have received for the children has been phenomenal and humbling, so many people, such as Sainsburys, Jumping Jacks, Rapid and Christmas Decorators, have given time, goods and gifts to make sure our guests have the best possible start to the most wonderful time of the year.”

And once the journey is underway the children will have a celebrity conductor too, with Radio City’s own Pete Price taking charge of proceedings – as well as live broadcasting from the train.

Carole Clare, of Radio City’s Cash for Kids, said: “It is fabulous to be involved in such a special and magical event I am sure all the children will have a fantastic time.

"For us it what makes Mission Christmas so special is to be able to provide the gifts for the children and bring a smile to their faces - that's what it is all about."

The Northern Polar express sets off at 11.20am on Monday, 5 December.