Latest news with #ThomastheTankEngine
The Journal
3 days ago
- General
- The Journal
Enhanced training recommended for PSNI officers after young autistic woman removed from shop
THE NORTH'S POLICE Ombudsman has recommended that PSNI officers receive enhanced training around responding to autistic people and people with individual communication needs. It follows an investigation into an incident in a CeX store in Lisburn in December when a young autistic woman was physically removed from the premises by four police officers and her father. Footage of the incident was posted online by the woman's older sister, Eileen Mitchell, and showed her being carried out of the CeX shop on Bow Street. In the social media post, Mitchell said her younger sister wanted to buy a second-hand Thomas the Tank Engine DVD, which cost £2. However, when the woman and her parents went to pay, they were told by a staff member that the till was already closed for the day and that the purchase couldn't be made. Mitchell wrote that her younger sister 'didn't understand this and became very upset, crying in the shop'. She added that the situation 'escalated' and 'the police were called'. 'Incidents like this shouldn't happen,' she wrote at the time. 'We need more compassion, better training for staff and authorities, and systems in place to protect those who can't advocate for themselves.' The young woman's mother made a complaint to the Police Ombudsman, which centred on whether the officers complied with their training in respect of autism. Her mother also questioned the effectiveness of the training they had received. The Policing Ombudsman said that its investigation 'identified no misconduct by the police officers involved'. Advertisement However, Nikki Davis, Director of Investigations with the Police Ombudsman's Office, said the incident was 'undoubtedly distressing' for the young woman and called for 'enhanced training'. The Ombudsman said the young woman 'entered through half-closed shutters, the shop's tills were no longer operational and she was unable to buy a DVD'. The non-verbal young woman was asked to leave, and from there the situation escalated and the police were called, said the Ombudsman. It said that body worn video shows that the first two police officers 'made it clear that she needed to leave as the shop was closed, and that their preference was for her parents to remove her'. It said that the young woman's father 'then tried to move her physically' and that officers 'became physically involved only after the young woman's father continued to experience difficulties managing on his own'. However, it added that 'when reviewed in its entirety, the body worn video, together with CCTV footage, showed that the police officers who responded to the incident understood that the best approach was for her parents to encourage her to leave the shop'. 'When those efforts were unsuccessful, and their own attempts to escort the young woman from the shop also failed, the officers, along with her father, physically removed her.' The incident lasted for around 18 minutes from officers entering the store and the Ombudsman said that 'their action was a last resort'. The Ombudsman stated that while no breach of the PSNI code of ethics had been made, the incident 'exposed a gap in current PSNI training'. As a result, it recommended that PSNI officers should receive 'enhanced training which equips them to engage with, and respond to, any autistic person, but especially a person who speaks few or no words and may communicate in other ways'. The PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson welcomed the Ombudsman's report and said the incident presented a 'very difficult and complex set of circumstances for everyone involved'. Henderson said that while there is training for front line officers in dealing with vulnerable members of the public, 'there is no specific input for front line officers on strategies for dealing with those they encounter who may be non-verbal'. He said the PSNI will now 'consider how best to incorporate this element into future training'. 'Our officers are routinely called to challenging situations and as in this case we will always seek a patient approach when dealing with people with complex needs,' he added. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Daily Record
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Scottish hidden railway garden with Thomas the Tank Engine models is perfect family day out
Kids and train lovers will enjoy this magical railway hidden in the woods just an hour from Glasgow Tucked away in the woodlands near Gask in Perthshire, just over an hour's drive from Glasgow, lies a hidden gem for young train enthusiasts and nostalgic adults alike, the Perthshire Garden Railway. Open from Friday to Sunday, this outdoor attraction brings model trains to life in a beautifully landscaped setting filled with flowers, bridges and mini rivers. Since opening just over a year ago, it's become a firm family favourite. The standout feature is the Thomas the Tank Engine section, where children can meet Thomas, Percy, James, Toby and Emily, Glasgow Live reports. 'Their eyes move like they do in the cartoons, so it really looks like they're saying hi as they zoom by,' said one visitor, who brought along two mesmerised toddlers. The railway is located just off the A9 near Auchterarder, with signs leading down a narrow rural path to a small parking area. Once inside, a welcoming ticket hut also serves up teas, freshly brewed coffee and cakes. After exploring, visitors can relax with refreshments in the cosy seating area or take their treats outside and enjoy the views of the surrounding garden. The attraction is filled with themed sections, including a Wild West scene featuring the Santa Fe Express and Union Pacific F7, and a nostalgic Trumpton village for older visitors to recognise from 60s television. With so much to see, families can easily spend hours wandering the miniature world, if they can tear little ones away from Thomas and friends. The garden currently enjoys a flawless five-star rating on TripAdvisor, with glowing praise from visitors. One reviewer wrote: 'Such a beautiful spot to relax. "My son loves it and it's safe for kids to run around. The café and amenities are basic but the staff and owner are so friendly. I heard it hasn't been open for too long so hopefully it can gain more visitors. Also fantastic for ASD kids like mine.' Another added: 'Beautiful, quiet little wonderland in the woods. This is a beautiful, amazingly decorated and designed area with little trains of all types going around various sized tracks. "A wonderful mini circular stroll for the elderly, the young and the in between! I never had a chance to visit the café but next time I certainly will.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Tickets are reasonably priced at £9 for adults and over-13s, £7.50 for children aged 4 to 12, and free for under-threes. Cash is preferred. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads, especially around the miniature towns and locomotives. The 2025 season runs until mid-October, offering plenty of time to plan a visit, just be sure not to arrive outside its opening days. For children who love trains and adults who enjoy a whimsical escape, the Perthshire Garden Railway is a magical day out.
Business Wire
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
All Aboard for 80 Years: Thomas & Friends Marks Milestone with Never-Before-Seen Pilot Episode and Charity Auction
EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Thomas & Friends, the beloved children's franchise that has captured hearts for generations, announced today its kickoff to celebrate the 80 th anniversary and to honor over eight decades of timeless stories about friendship, adventure and teamwork. Since its debut in 1945, the Thomas & Friends show has delighted audiences worldwide and today the brand is unveiling unreleased footage, a new podcast series and offering fans a chance to own historic memorabilia to commemorate the brand's legacy and rich heritage. For the first time ever, Mattel is releasing the original, never-before-seen 1983 pilot episode of the classic model series, Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends, on YouTube. By meticulously piecing together 40-year-old 35mm film trims, the Thomas & Friends content team has taken footage from the first test shoot to rebuild and digitize both the picture and sound to give fans a brand new look at the episode that started it all. Mike O'Donnell, the 1984-2003 series composer, also created a new bespoke music arrangement for this special episode. The episode features the classic model trains and the never-before-heard voiceover by legendary musician, Ringo Starr. Starr was the first of many notable storytellers to join the show, paving the way for future celebrity narrators. 'For 80 years, the Thomas & Friends brand has brought joy to generations, sharing timeless stories and valuable life lessons,' said Roberto Stanichi, executive vice president, Hot Wheels and Global Head of Vehicles & Building Sets at Mattel. 'As we celebrate this momentous year, we're unveiling 40-year-old footage and newly uncovered stories from the vault for the first time ever, offering longtime fans and new audiences the chance to reconnect with the beloved adventures of Thomas & Friends in new and nostalgic ways.' Building on the Thomas & Friends Storytime podcast, the brand is launching new episodes weekly beginning May 12, each centered around key themes from Thomas' 80-year history, such as friendship and teamwork. Each episode will be complemented with a full retelling of a classic Thomas story. Some of the featured guests will be Andrew Brenner, one of the many head writers, Ian McCue, series producer, and members of the Reverend Wilbert Awdry's family, creator of Thomas the Tank Engine, Christopher Awdry, Richard Awdry, Veronica Chambers, Mark Chambers and Claire Chambers– whom have all played pivotal roles in shaping the franchise. New episodes will be released weekly on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or wherever fans listen to podcasts. To mark the anniversary moment and celebrate 80 years of entertaining generations, the Thomas & Friends franchise in partnership with Propstore, is also giving fans a rare chance to own original pieces from the brands history, including signed items by celebrity friends, original artwork and props from the iconic stop motion series that first aired in 1984. Also included in the auction are one-of-a-kind pieces signed by iconic British actors who have voiced Thomas & Friends characters throughout the years, including Olivia Colman, Eddie Redmayne and Hugh Bonneville. Mattel UK will pay all NET proceeds of all sums collected under the auction to The National Autistic Society, the UK's leading charity that provides support, guidance and advice for autistic people and their families. The global auction opens for registration on May 8, with bidding live from May 12 to May 28. More details can be found here. Global celebrations for the Thomas & Friends 80th anniversary continue throughout the year with new podcast episodes, all-new book titles, exciting new partnerships and continued fun with Day Out with Thomas across the globe. For more information on Thomas & Friends, please visit and receive the latest updates on their anniversary celebrations by following the brand on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. The excitement doesn't stop here! In 2026, Thomas & Friends is ready for a thrilling new journey that is set to delight fans old and new. About Mattel Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Matchbox®, Monster High®, MEGA® and Polly Pocket®, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world's leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us at
Glasgow Times
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Thomas & Friends to release unseen pilot episode of TV show
The character of Thomas the Tank Engine originated from the series of British children's books The Railway Series, which was first published back in 1945 by Wilbert Awdry. The books were then used as the basis for the TV series Thomas & Friends, which lasted from 1984 to 2021. Having dug deep into their archives, the unseen footage from 'Down The Mine' - the original 1983 pilot episode - is a celebration of the classic model series. The 40-year-old recording was crafted on 35mm film trims (Image: Mattel) The 40-year-old recording was crafted on 35mm film trims and has been pieced back together before being rebuilt and digitally remastered audibly and visibly. Mike O'Donnell, the series composer between 1984-2003, has also crafted a bespoke musical arrangement to accompany the special episode. Voiceover from musician Ringo Starr will also be included, which will also contain previously unheard narration. The episode will be available to watch on the Thomas & Friends YouTube channel. Roberto Stanichi, executive vice president, Hot Wheels and Global Head of Vehicles & Building Sets at Mattel, said: 'For 80 years, the Thomas & Friends brand has brought joy to generations, sharing timeless stories and valuable life lessons. 'As we celebrate this momentous year, we're unveiling 40-year-old footage and newly uncovered stories from the vault for the first time ever, offering longtime fans and new audiences the chance to reconnect with the beloved adventures of Thomas & Friends in new and nostalgic ways.' Thomas & Friends to launch auction of brand memorabilia The franchise has also partnered with specialist memorabilia auctioneer Propstore to give fans of the show the exclusive opportunity to own original pieces from the brand's history. More details on the auction can be found on the website here, which will be open for bidding from May 12-28. Recommended reading: The collection includes signed items from celebrity friends, original artwork and props from the iconic stop motion scenes that first aired in 1984. Also to be auctioned are one-of-a-kind pieces signed by the iconic British actors to have voiced some of the many characters over the years - including Olivia Coleman, Eddie Redmayne and Hugh Bonneville. Mattel UK will be donating all of the NET proceeds collected from the auctions to the National Autistic Society, the UK's leading charity that provides support, guidance and advice for autistic people and their families.
Powys County Times
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Thomas & Friends to release unseen pilot episode of TV show
An original, unseen version of the pilot episode of Thomas & Friends is set to be released to mark the 80th anniversary of the property. The character of Thomas the Tank Engine originated from the series of British children's books The Railway Series, which was first published back in 1945 by Wilbert Awdry. The books were then used as the basis for the TV series Thomas & Friends, which lasted from 1984 to 2021. Having dug deep into their archives, the unseen footage from 'Down The Mine' - the original 1983 pilot episode - is a celebration of the classic model series. The 40-year-old recording was crafted on 35mm film trims and has been pieced back together before being rebuilt and digitally remastered audibly and visibly. Mike O'Donnell, the series composer between 1984-2003, has also crafted a bespoke musical arrangement to accompany the special episode. Voiceover from musician Ringo Starr will also be included, which will also contain previously unheard narration. The episode will be available to watch on the Thomas & Friends YouTube channel. Roberto Stanichi, executive vice president, Hot Wheels and Global Head of Vehicles & Building Sets at Mattel, said: 'For 80 years, the Thomas & Friends brand has brought joy to generations, sharing timeless stories and valuable life lessons. 'As we celebrate this momentous year, we're unveiling 40-year-old footage and newly uncovered stories from the vault for the first time ever, offering longtime fans and new audiences the chance to reconnect with the beloved adventures of Thomas & Friends in new and nostalgic ways.' Thomas & Friends to launch auction of brand memorabilia The franchise has also partnered with specialist memorabilia auctioneer Propstore to give fans of the show the exclusive opportunity to own original pieces from the brand's history. More details on the auction can be found on the website here, which will be open for bidding from May 12-28. The collection includes signed items from celebrity friends, original artwork and props from the iconic stop motion scenes that first aired in 1984. Also to be auctioned are one-of-a-kind pieces signed by the iconic British actors to have voiced some of the many characters over the years - including Olivia Coleman, Eddie Redmayne and Hugh Bonneville. Mattel UK will be donating all of the NET proceeds collected from the auctions to the National Autistic Society, the UK's leading charity that provides support, guidance and advice for autistic people and their families.
