Article on BBC News today:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czel5x60y7lo
A rediscovered and restored version of the pilot episode of Thomas & Friends, the animated children’s steam train series narrated by Sir Ringo Starr, is set to be seen for the first time since 1983.
The original test episode, titled Down The Mine, will appear online on Friday 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, which ran properly from 1984 until 2021.
The 40-year-old plus recording of the original pilot - shot on 35mm film - has been dug up and updated digitally, and will be made available to view on YouTube at 18:00 BST on Friday.
