A SPECIAL weekend of fun featuring children's favourite Thomas the Tank Engine is expected to draw massive crowds this summer.

When the television train last visited the Darlington Railway Centre and Museum, about three years ago, some 8,000 people arrived to see the star.

So staff at the centre are bracing themselves for another busy time at the Thomas the Tank Engine Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, July 20 and 21.

A weekend of events is being organised for when Thomas and his friends arrive in Darlington for the special event.

Normally, the museum would attract around 2,500 visitors on a weekend, meaning the event is a major boost to the town, drawing fans from across the region.

A spokeswoman for Darlington Borough Council, which runs the centre, said: "We are expecting it to be an extremely popular weekend.

"Thomas is a favourite children's character and there will be lots of activities and things for all the family to do and enjoy."

There will be a chance for children to ride on the replica Thomas, while the Fat Controller will also be on hand and there will be a bouncy castle, quizzes, face painting and more.

The centre will be open from 10am to 5pm on both days, and full details of the event will be available from the venue on (01325) 460532.