AFTER more than 15 years and thousands of train rides, Thomas the Tank Engine has made his last appearance in Eastleigh.

Hundreds flocked to Lakeside Country Park over the weekend to give their farewell to Thomas and its friends.

Tickets were sold out by 11.30am on Saturday as residents of all ages flocked to the railway to take one last ride on the little blue tank engine.

Mattel, which owns the rights to Thomas & Friends, has announced its decision not to renew the steam railway’s licence.

Thomas and his fellow engines from the Rev W, Awdry’s railway stories appeared at Lakeside Country Park three weekends a year, regularly attracting more than 2,000 visitors a time.

Tom Willis, volunteer at Lakeside Country Park, said: “We have all been out here to enjoy the last day with Thomas.

"We tried to make it not a sad occasion, we just tried to make it a good day. It’s a loss for the community. It’s going to be something that a lot of children will miss.”