Thomas the Tank Engine is a popular children's program which has stood the test of time. Based on the 1946 books by Rev. W. Awdry, Thomas sets about his railway adventures on the fictional island of Sodor with his friends including Edward, James and Gordon. Thomas is always keen to do his best and please stationmaster The Fat Controller (Sir Topham Hatt), which usually results in him getting into all sorts of over-zealous trouble. Thomas The Tank Engine and Friends was animated and screened back in 1984, becoming an instant success. Ringo Starr, Alec Baldwin and Pierce Brosnan have all narrated on the TV series, and Drayton Manor has its own Thomas Land in honour of the much-loved character.