THOUSANDS of people from across Hampshire descended on the Watercress Line this Easter, to meet the world’s favourite little blue tank engine and his station sweeping friends Rusty and Dusty.

Families enjoyed storytelling and mischievous magic performances from the dynamic duo, as well as vintage fairground rides, and trips behind the famous engine and the Watercress Line’s home fleet and miniature railway.

Woodies Mountford, marketing manager at the Watercress Line, said: “It’s always a pleasure to welcome Thomas back to the Watercress Line. We were delighted to see so many families from Hampshire and beyond enjoying themselves this Easter.”

Families will have another chance to meet the world’s favourite little blue tank engine later this year, when Day Out with Thomas returns to the Watercress Line from August 3-11.