A RECORD number of people came to the region last weekend to meet children's hero Thomas the Tank Engine.

The famous train was the special guest at Darlington Railway Museum at a special themed fun weekend.

He was joined by some of his well-known friends, including the Fat Controller and Bertie the Bus.

A total of 6,623 adults and children visited the museum over the weekend.

A spokeswoman for the museum said: "Last year, during the railway carnival at the same time of year, we saw 3,500 people, so we were delighted with the Thomas the Tank Engine event."

The museum is now gearing up for another visitor next month.

The Sans Pareil Timothy Hackworth engine will be at the museum in August at weekends.

It will be coming from Shildon and visitors to the museum will be able to have a ride on it.

For more information, call (01325) 460532.