Island's most famous train celebrates 80th birthday

A series of special events this year will celebrate the Island's most famous fictional train.

Thomas the Tank Engine is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year - it was created by Wilbert Awdry with his son Christopher in 1945.

Awdry decided to set the series on the fictional island of Sodor in the Irish Sea after visiting the Isle of Man - and the film Thomas and the Magic Railroad was shot partly on the Island in 2000.

A huge festival celebrating the author and his work will be held between July 18 and 20 in Tywyn in North Wales.