Unseen Thomas & Friends pilot to be released

An unseen version of the pilot episode of Thomas & Friends, the animated children's steam train series narrated by Beatles drummer Sir Ringo Starr, is to air for the first time.

The original episode, titled Down The Mine, will be shown to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the famous tank engine franchise.

The popular character began his adventures in a book published in 1945 which was later adapted into a TV show in 1984, running until 2021.

The 40-year-old recording of the unseen pilot - shot on 35mm film in 1983 - has been rediscovered and treated, and will be made available on YouTube at 18:00 BST on Friday.

Sir Ringo can be heard narrating in the new footage alongside a bespoke musical arrangement by longtime series composer Mike O' Donnell.

Roberto Stanichi, from toy company Mattel, said Thomas - who first appeared on ITV before moving to Cartoon Network, Nick Jr, Channel 5 and now Netflix - had "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," he said.

The franchise will also put original pieces from the brand's history up for auction, to mark the anniversary, including artwork and props from the stop-motion scenes that first aired in 1984.

Collectors and fans will have the chance to bid for items signed by celebrities who have voiced characters on the long-running series down the years, including English actors Olivia Colman, Eddie Redmayne and Hugh Bonneville.

The proceeds from the auction - which is open for registration now, with bidding to commence from the 12 May - will be donated to the National Autistic Society.