Joey Whitehouse’s dream came true when he met his hero – Thomas The Tank Engine.

Joey, who suffers from an incurable genetic disorder, was taken to Thomas Land at Staffordshire’s Drayton Manor Theme Park, by the Make-A-Wish Foundation – a charity which grants wishes to children and young people with terminal illnesses.

Seven-year-old Joey, of Sussex Avenue, Hateley Heath, is a pupil at Hall Green Primary School , Stone Cross. His wish to meet Thomas the Tank Engine was granted on Friday. Joey, who has an incurable genetic disorder called Metachromatic Leukodystrophy, which causes muscle waste among other afflictions, is a huge fan of Thomas the Tank Engine.

His room is filled with Thomas the Tank Engine toys and he watches the programme as much as he can. Make-A-Wish treated Joey and his family, including eight-year-old brother, Jack and three year old sister, Jessica to the fun-filled day. The family travelled to the park in a stretch limo and were greeted by the Fat Controller and BoBo the clown who gave them free entry, a tour of the park and VIP passes to all the rides.

Joey’s mother, Terri Whitehouse said: “Joey has been so excited about his wish and when the limo arrived outside this morning he couldn’t stop dancing.” Make-A-Wish needs to raise £5 million this year to continue its work. To find out more visit www.make-a-wish.org.uk