YOUNGSTERS from all over the country have been visiting the East Lancashire Railway this weekend to see Thomas the Tank engine and his friends.

Thomas, on instructions from the Fat Controller, has been kept busy giving rides in the sidings at Rawtenstall while Douglas the troublesome trucks have been attracting plenty of attention along the line at Ramsbottom.

Diesel D199, James the red engine and Brian Black Five have been running services between Rawtenstall and Bury where enthusiasts have been taken by Daisy to see Thomas's friend Bertie the bus and repair works being carried out in the sheds.

Stationmaster at Bury, Eric Allen, said: "We have been getting calls from all over the country and the children come along and see Thomas and his friends as real engines in a bigger scenario than on the television.''

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