Thousands of people took to the trackside to welcome Thomas the Tank Engine and friends to the Severn Valley Railway at the weekend.

Good weather drew people to Kidderminster for the first of two back-to-back Thomas Weekends despite the annual event being restricted to the line to Bewdley because of flood damage further down the track.

Many mothers with young children said that they had actually appreciated the restricted journey.

Spokesman John Hill, joint event co-ordinator, said: “The event went very well.”

Railway staff were also enjoying the event which forms a major part of the railway’s social calendar.

They were able to laugh again after all the heartache and devastation caused by recent floods which damaged 45 sections of track between Bewdley and Bridgnorth and which could cost more than £2.5 million to repair.

A public appeal for donations has raised a staggering £400,000 but by the time the railway is fully back in action in the New Year officials estimate it could have lost £1.8 million in revenue.

Mr Hill said: “Everyone has had a great time. Some mothers with small children said they actually benefited from the restricted track because the children were not able to become bored on a longer journey.

“The Thomas Weekends are really appreciated by everyone and are a firm favourite with the children.”