EIGHTY years ago the Rev Wilbert Awdry published his first Thomas the Tank Engine book, “The Three Railway Engines”.

Millions of copies have since been sold, with the stories also having been adapted into a popular children's television series.

But who was the man behind the engines?

The children's author soon became a well-known name across the country, meeting Beatles drummer Ringo Starr and regularly appearing on TV.

And now Veronica Chambers, the elder daughter of Rev Awdry, will give an illustrated talk about his life, his work in Jerusalem, his ordination and fascination with trains.

The initial story of Thomas was told to her as a sick child, and then developed into the world famous “Thomas and Friends” which we all know, read to children, and indeed enjoyed ourselves.

Veronica and her two siblings served as a “test audience” for the Railway Series book.

Their father would read them stories he had written before submitting them for publication.

If they did not like them, their father would re-draft the stories.

Indeed, Veronica appears as a cameo in “Troublesome Engines” as one of three children. With 26 books in all to his credit, there is a fascinating story of the Rev Awdry behind them.

Newton St Cyres Church is the perfect venue for the “Thomas Birthday” weekend.

The village has its own award-winning railway station on the Tarka and Dartmoor Lines. And the village is also home to Rev Awdry’s grandson, himself a railway “enthusiast"!

Weekend events include:

Saturday, March 15: 4pm - Veronica Chambers illustrated talk - Free

Saturday, March 15: 7pm - Exeter Railway Band concert (£10 - children free)

Sunday, March 16: 2pm - “Thomas Celebration” with tracks, trains, model of Rocket Steam Engine, books, story-telling and memorabilia with Crediton Library - Free

Sunday, March 16: 4pm - Children to judge “Thomas” celebration cake competition!