SMILING youngsters enjoyed a fun day out in the sun as they came face to face with Thomas the Tank Engine.

Hundreds of children and their families took advantage of some fine weather last Saturday at the East Lancashire Railway in Bury when they rode on the locomotive made famous in the TV show.

They got the chance to meet the Fat Controller on the platform, watch a magic show and have their faces painted.

Their parents took a trip back in time by enjoying a Punch and Judy performance and there was even a pottery workshop.

But the highlight of the day was a chance for guests to ride on Thomas, with many passengers boarding at the Bolton Street station and travelling to Heywood and back.

Jane Hamill, aged 39, of Heywood, took her sons Jacob, aged 10, and Simon, aged seven, along.

She said: "It was packed with lots of families enjoying the warm weather.

"You always get a really warm welcome at the station and the kids loved having their pictures taken with Thomas and the Fat Controller."

Kate Walker, marketing manager of the East Lancashire Railway, said: "Our Day Out with Thomas events are a real highlight in our annual events calendar and are a truly fantastic experience for Thomas fans, young and old, as the magic of the stories are brought to life."

The entertainment continued into Sunday, and will be back on October 1 and 2.

Visit dayoutwiththomas.co.uk for more information.