Thomas the Tank Engine author honoured with plaque

Thomas the Tank Engine began as a series of books written by Reverend Wilbert Awdry

A blue plaque will be unveiled at the former home of Thomas the Tank Engine creator Reverend Wilbert Awdry later.

The ceremony marks 80 years since the first of the classic Thomas & Friends books was written by Rev Awdry.

He lived at number 30 Rodborough Avenue, in Stroud, Gloucestershire, where the plaque will be presented by Historic England, watched by his family.

His daughter Veronica Chambers said: "On behalf of the Awdry family, I am delighted that my father has been honoured with a national blue plaque from Historic England."

The plaque was unveiled by Mr Awdry's family

"Alongside his role as a parish priest, he was a lifelong, dedicated railway enthusiast and by creating Thomas the Tank Engine and friends, he invented a magical, fictional world that has enchanted generations of children and adults across the world."

The plaque's inscription reads: "The Reverend Wilbert Awdry, 1911-1997, Children's Author, who created Thomas the Tank Engine, lived here."

Rev Awdry's grandson Mark Chambers said it was a "very special" day for the family.

"It's a wonderful thing that these stories have endured as long as they have for 80 years," he added.

Rev Awdry was inspired to write The Railway Series books after hearing trains as a child

The Blue Plaque can be seen outside Mr Awdry's former home

Rev Awdry was born in June 1911 in the small village of Ampfield, in Hampshire, and developed a fascination with railways from a young age.

His interest grew when his family moved to Box, Wiltshire, where their home was close to Box Tunnel.

He decided to follow in his father's footsteps as a vicar and was ordained in 1936.

Hearing the trains as he lay in bed inspired him to write the Railway Series books.

He later created Thomas to entertain his young son when he was sick with measles and the character became a global icon, with more than 20 TV series made.

After many years working in Stroud, Gloucestershire, he retired from the church and later died in the village of Rodborough in March 1997, aged 85.

The ceremony marks the 80th anniversary of the first Thomas the Tank Engine book

Mr Chambers said he could remember visiting his grandparents in the village.

"It was always exciting to go there," he said.

"He had this wonderful office which was lined from floor to ceiling with books. He had a desk in the middle of that with an old type writer which he had written some of the latter books on.

"Mostly, it was just a warm, friendly, comfortable family home," he added.

A reconstruction of Mr Awdry's study at a museum at Talyllyn Railway

Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said: "Loved around the world, it's an honour to remember Reverend Awdry and the happiness he brought to so many childhoods.

"The early books, which would become The Railway Series, laid the foundation for a global phenomenon, based on the magic of the steam train which has appealed to all ages down the generations."