THOUSANDS of visitors flocked to a North-East rail museum at the weekend to see television train Thomas the Tank Engine.

The children's favourite was joined by a cast of friends, including Devious Diesel, George the Steam Roller and Bertie the Bus at Darlington Railway Centre and Museum, on Saturday and Sunday.

Museum staff believe figures, which will be compiled this week, will show the event drew in crowds similar to the 8,000 who attended Thomas's last visit, in 1998.

It is thought up to 4,000 people enjoyed rides pulled by Thomas, a 1948 locomotive, on 80 trips it made on Saturday alone.

John Wilks, acting heritage manager at the museum, said the influx of visitors had been constant during the weekend, as the cloudy weather managed to keep from pouring cold water on the event.

"We are very pleased with the way it has gone," he said. "We are very pleased with the support it's had from local people, and the weather has been kind to us."

As well as rides on Thomas, there was plenty for young and old to enjoy, with face-painting and Punch and Judy shows from local entertainer Brian Llewellyn, hook a duck and tombola stalls, as well as the attractions inside the museum.