MY TWO-year-old son is Thomas the Tank Engine mad.

He loves the books, the TV series, the small diecast engines, which injure your feet should you accidentally stand on one – and will only eat off a Thomas plate with a Percy spoon. So imagine our delight when we discovered the existence of Thomasland.

Located inside Drayton Manor Theme Park, Thomasland comprises different rides featuring life-size versions of all his favourite characters. Complete Thomas heaven to a small boy!

Unfortunately the day we had chosen to go was one of this summer’s rare rainy days, but this didn’t matter one bit as many of the rides had roofs so continued to operate, with wet bottoms being kept to a minimum.

After all, normal trains run in inclement weather so why should Thomas and friends be any different?

In fact the rain actually proved a positive thing as it meant that the queues were shorter and we could hop off one ride and straight onto the next.

Although if you really don’t enjoy the typical British weather then Drayton Manor were offering a rainy day guarantee during the summer months.

So if your day was spoilt by more than two hours of rain, those with pre-booked tickets could visit the park again for free at a later date.

The downpours did mean that the huge outdoor play area was closed and the animals in the zoo part of the park preferred to stay hidden in the dry but a soggy fat controller was happy to have his picture taken with the keen young trainspotters.

With no queues to contend with, we spent a busy few hours riding the twisty Troublesome Trucks rollercoaster, the high-rising Harold the Helicopter ride and the stomach-churning Bertie the Bus ride.

The day’s favourite ride though was definitely Winston the car.

Only recently opened, this rises above Thomasland, offering great views of the whole park.

Time flew by and, despite the rain, children and adults alike had a fantastic day.

We’ll definitely be booking our return visit for next summer.

Tamworth is about a three-hour drive away so it’s too far for a day trip but the surrounding countryside is stunning, and with Birmingham not too far away, it would make the ideal location for a weekend break.

The day out was certainly a memorable one as our little Thomas fan still talks about his visit and asks to go to Thomasland instead of pre-school!

Thomasland is at Drayton Manor Theme Park, Tamworth, Staffordshire. For more information visit the website draytonmanor.co.uk.