FREE and easy parking, together with regular bus links, are a big ‘plus’ for people visiting village shops and services.

Let’s face it, how many times have you driven round in circles desperately seeking that elusive parking space – and then had to pay for the privilege?

The good news is that you can park for free at the following council-run car parks: in Denby Dale – at the Library, also on-street parking near the war memorial on Wakefield Road; Skelmanthorpe – Huddersfield Road and at the council offices; Scissett – on Wakefield Road.

And for those who travel on two wheels, cycle parking is available at Denby Dale railway station.

On weekdays there are half-hourly trains in both directions on the Huddersfield to Sheffield, Penistone Line.

In recent years, great efforts have been made to encourage people to travel on the line, not only for the daily commute, but for leisure time journeys as an alternative to the car.

Through the year there are regular events and activities which connect with trains at village stations, including evening music trains.

Dates include Monday December 7, Christmas Brass with Hade Edge Band and December 14, Christmas Jazz with The Train Gang.

If you're feeling suitably hale and hearty, you can join Santa’s Hat Walk on Saturday December 19.

Starting off at 9.35am from Denby Dale station, down the Dearne Valley, the nine-mile route follows a wide loop north and west, heading over higher ground towards Kirkburton and finally to Stocksmoor for trains home.

Festive headwear, mince pies and mulled wine in your flask are all highly recommended. For updates, visit the website: www.penline.co.uk

Meanwhile, nostalgia for the steam age continues to draw large numbers of visitors to nearby Clayton West.

Once a typical Yorkshire pit village with Park Mill Colliery at its heart, it is now best known for its popular visitor attraction, the Kirklees Light Railway.

The narrow gauge railway which will be running its popular Santa specials from Saturday November 28 each weekend until Sunday December 20 and then daily until Christmas Eve.

New this year is the Twilight Santa Express, an enchanting evening ride on a specially illuminated train to visit Santa in his glowing grotto.

For dates still available phone 01484 865727 or go online at: www.kirkleeslightrailway.com