FAMILIES and friends can enjoy a ‘Day Out With Thomas’ and ride behind their favourite blue engine on a historic Hampshire railway this summer.

Thomas & Friends will be returning to Hampshire’s only standard steam gauge railway the Watercress Line from August 6 to August 14.

It will run from Ropley to Alton.

Young fans can get up close to Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends - Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty & Dusty, Percy, Diesel and Toad and Sir Topham Hatt.

New for this year is a guest appearance from Percy, three different daily entertainment shows, Thomas & Friends activities at the Imagination Station play zones at Ropley and Alton and face painting at Ropley station.

The nine-day event includes unlimited rides on the miniature railway and the big trains from Ropley to Alton, children’s vintage fairground rides as well as a ride behind Thomas the Tank Engine and all the Thomas & Friends-themed activities.

There will be refreshments available from Ropley’s T-Junction and treats from Moo Moo Belle, but visitors are welcome to bring their own picnic.

The Watercress Line’s acting managing director Alison Houghton said: “The return of Day Out with Thomas is sure to be one of the highlights of this summer at The Watercress Line. Come and meet some of your favourite Thomas & Friends characters and join in with the fun and games. It’s sure to be a memorable day out for everyone.

“This special event always proves popular, so to avoid disappointment, please make sure you book ahead.”

The first ever Thomas type event was held in September 1992, although it did not feature a Thomas engine. The first time we Thomas the Tank Engine made a physical appearance at the Watercress Line was Easter 1993. Since then, the local railway have hosted two Thomas events nearly every year.

All activities and rides are included in the ticket price, and there’s no entry fee for children under two years. For more information and to book tickets, visit https://watercressline.co.uk/day-out-with-thomas.

Message from the editor

Thank you for reading this story. We really appreciate your support.

Please help us to continue bringing you all the trusted news from your area by sharing this story or by following our Facebook page.