Thomas the Tank Engine enthralls children

Last updated 11:39, Tuesday, 11 November 2008

Thomas weekend at Haverthwaite Railway

THOMAS the Tank Engine and friends steamed into Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway at the weekend.
Wet weather did not deter hundreds of revellers from turning out in force to see everyone’s favourite engine on Saturday and Sunday.
A children’s entertainer, Punch and Judy and magic were just some of the activities which kept the children occupied.
But the star attraction proved to be when tales of Thomas and his chums came alive.
Trevor the Traction Engine, George and Diesel featured in story re-enactments over the two days.
The engines were being looked after under the watchful eye of Sir Topham Hat, otherwise known as the Fat Controller, with his wife, Lady Hat, by his side.
The tale of Grumpy George, the moodiest engine of Thomas’ pals, was a favourite with youngsters.
Karen Maher, a manager at Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway said that the Thomas weekend, now in its fifth year, had proved as popular as ever.
She said: “The forecast for the weekend was absolutely appalling, the weather was awful but nobody seemed to mind, we were very busy. When it was raining on Saturday everybody just put up their hoods and carried on enjoying themselves.
“It has been absolutely fantastic. Families love it here. The best thing is seeing the look on the children’s faces when we re-enact the stories. There is something magical about bringing stories and characters that they have seen in books to life.”
Bulgy the shuttle bus and Daisy the engine transported visitors from Lakeside and Haverthwaite throughout the weekend.
Santa Claus and his elves are set to pay a visit to Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway during the build-up to Christmas.
Santa weekends will be held on December 6,7,13, 14, 20 and 21.
Visit the web site www.lakesiderailway.co.uk for more information.