THE TROUBLED Watercress Line is seeing light at the end of the tunnel - thanks to Thomas the Tank Engine.

The nine-day Thomas and his Friends in Steam event, which ended yesterday, is heading for a possible record profit.

Extra carriages had to be laid on to cope with demand from parents and their Thomas-crazy children on the Mid-Hants Railway between Alresford and Alton.

The railway line has up to 200 volunteers working for it, along with a number of full-time staff.

New chairman Phil Marsh said the event had been heaving and attendances outstripping last year's and visitors were spending more cash.

In the first five days visitor numbers soared by 2,500 people while people turning up on the day increased by 50 per cent.

Mr Marsh said the recent weather had been a boon: "It has been ideal Thomas weather; dry but cloudy so people headed for us rather than for the beach."

Last year the line suffered unsustainable losses of £88,000, but Mr Marsh is convinced the tide is turning.

He said: "We had a big upheaval at the beginning of the year and the first few months were grim. But we're back on track now."

He added: "The Watercress Line is not out of the woods yet, but we're definitely on the way."

In addition the Watercress Line has won an award for the best Thomas the Tank Engine event in the UK this year.

The Brit Allcroft company, which owns the Thomas copywrite and is responsible for vetting and licensing the 11 Thomas events that take place each year, chose WCL's as the best.

Members of the railway have raised £20,000 to overhaul a griddle car. Now that full catering can be provided on trips into the Southern region, it is hoped the upward trend will continue.

And Mr Marsh added: "Bookings for Santa Specials have now opened and another 20,000 passengers are expected to crowd these seasonal trains."

Bookings can be made on 01962 733810.

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