Thomas & Friends have been entertaining pre-schoolers everywhere for 65 years with their tales from the Island of Sodor.

Now, fans in Surrey are set to share in the show’s anniversary celebrations as the ‘real-life’ Fat Controller visits Smyths toy store in Mitcham on Saturday, March 27.

The much-loved character, well known for his top hat and tails, will be taking time out from his day job as head of the railway to personally meet fans in Mitcham.

Children will have the chance to meet the famous head of the railway, have pictures taken with him and take home a special Fat Controller postcard as a reminder of their day as well as a chance to see the new Fisher-Price Thomas & Friends Take-n- Play collection.

The Fat Controller will appear at Smyths Toys, Unit 1, The James Estate Bond Road, off Western Road, Mitcham, on Saturday, March 27, from 11am until 1pm.

To celebrate, we’re giving away nine Fisher-Price Thomas & Friends prize packs!

Each prize pack includes two small Talking Engines, which bring your favourite trains to life like never before, a Take ‘n’ Play Tidmouth Sheds playset and a Take ‘n’ Play Cranky at the Docks playset.

Part of a collection, these playsets are the perfect place to recreate Thomas adventures on the go!

For your chance to win just answer this question:  Who wrote the original Thomas the Tank Engine books?

Text your answer to 80360 starting with THOMAScomp, leave a space, and then your answer, name and address.

Alternatively, send your entry on a postcard with your answer, including your name, address, phone number and email address to Sarah Roach, Thomas Competition, Surrey Comet, 819 London Road, North Cheam, Surrey, SM3 9BN. Close: March 18.

Terms and conditions: No cash alternative. Texts cost 25p plus your normal operator text charge. Telephone and text voting lines close March 18, at 12.15pm. Full terms at newsquest.co.uk/terms