The death has been announced of the Thomas The Tank Engine TV series creator Britt Allcroft, whose programmes were based on the books by Wilbert Awdry.
The television show Thomas & Friends first aired in 1984 and the last series was made in 2021. The spin-off Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go aired in 2021 and the last show aired in September 2024.
Friend and film maker Brannon Carty issued a statement on behalf of the family: "Britt was an adoring mother and wife. A visionary producer. She brought so much joy and happiness to people everywhere during her time on Earth.
"Over the years of knowing Britt, we developed a close connection. It was truly a privilege to have her as both a mentor and a friend, and I'm so glad that so many fans were able to meet her at the New York screening of An Unlikely Fandom."
An aquamarine American streamlined tender engine with an Irish accent called Connor was introduced into the series in 2013, voiced by Dubliner Catastrophe actor Jonathan Forbes.
