THERE’S all manner of photo opportunities at Thomas Land, the only official theme park devoted to the Reverend W Awdry’s lovable tank engine, with rides and costumed characters aplenty.

But on a recent visit to the attraction at Staffordshire’s Drayton Manor Park, my lens was drawn instead to the ranks of grinning soft toys on a fairground-style stall in the grounds.

It’s every child’s dream – and perhaps every parent’s nightmare!