Thomas the tank boat

For generations of children, Thomas the Tank Engine has been a cheerful, if slightly cheeky, friend. So you can imagine the shock for ramblers near Denholme yesterday when they spotted what appeared to be Thomas himself... having an absolute meltdown in the middle of the canal.

The famous blue engine, brilliantly reimagined as a narrowboat, was seen chugging through the idyllic Yorkshire countryside. Complete with a puff of steam from its funnel, the vessel sported a face that looked less 'peep peep!' and more 'I've had a pig of a day and I'm not afraid to show it.' One can only assume he'd been causing confusion and delay for the local duck population.

We managed to have a word with his 'driver', who was wrestling with a mooring rope on the towpath. "He can be a bit of a stubborn engine... boat... thing," the man confessed, tipping his cap. "A very useful engine, mind, but he's got a mind of his own. Thinks he's too important to queue for the locks. We've had words." One can only wonder what the Fat Controller would make of his prize engine going AWOL on the waterways. He'd likely declare that Thomas deserves to be shut in his shed—or in this case, tied firmly to the nearest canalside pub.

For now, the grumpy-looking engine-boat continues its journey, a baffling and brilliant sight on the water. Let's just hope he doesn't meet Diesel. That could get very awkward indeed.