Drayton manor theme park in Staffordshire, UK, has unveiled its new £5m Thomas Land.

The first of its kind in Europe, the 6,000sq m Thomas Land, which brings to life 27 characters from the Thomas and Friends books, has replaced the former Robinson’s Land children’s rides area.

The new area has been developed in conjunction with HIT Entertainment, which owns the Thomas and Friends brand rights, and designed and themed by RMA.

Rides include two 60-seater trains from Germany-based Metallbau Emmeln which travel along a 600m track to other areas of the park, the Troublesome Trucks roller coaster, built by German company Gerstlauer; Terence’s Driving School, supplied by SB International in Sweden; and seven rides from Italian manufacturer Zamperla - Jeremy the Jet’s Flying Academy (a Telecombat), Crazy Bertie Bus (a Crazy Bus), Lady’s Carousel platform ride, Diesel’s Locomotion Mayhem (a Demolition Derby), Harold’s Heli Tours (a Samba Tower), Cranky’s Drop Tower (a Sky Tower) and Rockin’ Bulstrode (a Rockin’ Tug).

There is also a three-storey indoor play area, shop and café.

Colin Bryan, managing director of Drayton Manor, said: “Everyone here at Drayton Manor is very excited about the 2008 season.

“The opening of Thomas Land will be a wonderful new chapter in the park’s near 60 years of history. We’ve worked closely with HIT Entertainment to create an authentic replica of Sodor and we are delighted with the results, as I am sure our guests will be.

“The theming and the various rides combine to recreate superbly what people have seen in the books and on TV and I’m sure it’s going to be an extremely popular addition to our park.”