CHILDREN'S favourite Thomas the Tank Engine will be back at the Dean Forest Railway over the weekend (April 14 and 15).

He will be ably assisted by the newly restored Wilbert the Forest Engine.

Wilbert was named by the Rev Wilbert V. Awdry, the author of the original Thomas the Tank Engine books, in his honour in 1987.

Wilbert originally features in Book 38 which was written by Rev Awdry's son, Christopher, as Wilbert the Forest Engine. Following a lengthy overhaul at the Dean Forest Railway, Wilbert is now back and raring to steam!

The Day Out With Thomas event at the Dean Forest Railway runs from 9.30am until 4.30pm on both days and is billed as "a marvellous day out for all the family."

Discounted tickets are available in advance online, or you can turn up and pay on the day.

Included in the entry price are three separate train rides with Thomas, Wilbert and Daisy the Diesel and a host of additional attractions, with face painters, roundabout, miniature railway, Punch and Judy, plus a chance to watch Thomas and Friends DVDS, colouring and temporary tattoos in the Imagination Station.

For more information see Dean Forest Railway's website http://www.dfr">www.dfr. co.uk or call 01594 845840.