Thomas the Tank Engine model revealed at Wymondham Station

Originally built in 1988, the Thomas the Tank Engine model was displayed at Wymondham Railway Station between 1995 and 2019.

But after years of wear and tear the time had come for the anthropomorphic train to get some TLC.

Andrew Clarke and the Wymondham in Bloom team, who decorated the display and station with flowers (Image: Andrew Clarke)

That's when Keith Benjafield arranged funding from the Wymondham Town Team, along with a donation from Station Bistro - owned by Brendan Grey - and reached out to The Shed Wymondham, to ensure Thomas would be around for many years to come.

However, Mr Benjafield wasn't able to see the grand unveiling, with Andrew Clarke, chair of The Shed, saying: "Unfortunately, Keith passed away during the renovation, in November 2021, and was unable to see the finished Thomas.

Pictured L-R: Mayor Suzanne Nuri-Nixon, Deputy Mayor Annette James, Janet Benjafield and Andrew Clarke (Image: Andrew Clarke)

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"We felt it fitting that Keith’s wife, Janet Benjafield, unveil the rejuvenated Thomas when we held the opening event with the public, mayor and Shed members.

Keith was honoured by his wife at the unveiling, on June 9 outside Station Bistro.

Janet said: "My late husband Keith was a station adopter for Wymondham Railway Station along with Brendan Gray from Station Bistro.

A group of roughly 10 members at The Shed in Wymondham have helped revamp the model (Image: Andrew Clarke)

"He had a vision that Thomas could be brought back to life and thought of the talented people from The Shed to do the job.

"With funding from himself and Brendan, along with The Shed's skills, we are stood here today to welcome Thomas back.

Some of The Shed team next to the finished project, which started in 2021 (Image: Andrew Clarke)

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"Unfortunately Keith passed away before the project was finished but I'm sure he's smiling down on us today."

The project was the first of The Shed's which involved both men and women members, with Andrew adding: "It's a milestone in the history of The Shed.

"A big thank you to all The Shed members for their hard work on the project."

Janet Benjafield with Andrew Clarke next to the completed Thomas the Tank Engine model (Image: Andrew Clarke)