A SPECIAL weekend of fun featuring children's favourite Thomas the Tank Engine is expected to draw massive crowds to the region.
When the television train last visited the Darlington Railway Centre and Museum, about three years ago, 8,000 people arrived to see the star.
Normally, the museum would attract 2,500 visitors on a weekend.
So, staff at the centre are bracing themselves for another busy time at the Thomas the Tank Engine Weekend, on Saturday and Sunday, July 20-21.
A weekend of events is being organised for when Thomas and his friends arrive.
There will be a chance for children to ride on the replica Thomas, the Fat Controller will be on hand, and there will be a bouncy castle, quizzes, face painting and more.
A Darlington Borough Council spokeswoman said: "Thomas is a favourite children's character and there will be lots of activities and things for all the family to enjoy."
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.
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