HE’S a universally beloved character for children across the world.

But it is the end of the line for Thomas the Tank Engine at a popular Hampshire park.

After more than 15 years and thousands of rides, Thomas and his friends will leave Lakeside Country Park in Eastleigh for good on Sunday.

Dave Hart, events manager at Eastleigh Lakeside Steam Railway said the move is a great loss for the community and will cause “a considerable loss in revenue”.

He added: “Thomas is very popular. There is a cost implication that we are going to try to make up by trying out other events. We felt let down, especially as they didn’t tell us why they were not going to renew it. We still don’t know.”

He said the move comes after Mattel, which owns the rights to Thomas & Friends, has announced its decision not to renew the steam railway’s licence.

The service was run at Lakeside Country Park three weekends a year and Mr Hart said on average more than 800 children and 2,000 adults used to enjoy the day out with Thomas and his friends each year.

“It’s a shame. Thomas is so popular and it gives young people an inside into steam trains. We are just going to run the last as best as we can and we hope people will enjoy.

“We might get a bit tearful when we put the last train away in Sunday evening.”

Residents will have the chance to say farewell to Thomas and his friends at Lakeside Country Park this weekend.

Youngsters will have the opportunity to take a ride on Thomas the Tank train and enjoy magic shows and entertainment with “Rusty” the Station Sweeper, sing-a-long with The Fat Controller & the engines, and story time with The Fat Controller and have fun with dressing up box, colouring, games and toys.

The event will run from 10am to 5pm on both days, with gates opening at 9.45am.

The first engine rides will start at 10am and the last will run at 4.30pm.

Tickets cost £15 for adults, £12 for children (two to 15).

Mattel did not supply a comment.