Pre-school children’s entertainment producer HIT Entertainment is to install a permanent Thomas & Friends attraction at Drusillas Park in Alfriston, East Sussex, UK.

The Thomas and Friends passenger train will transport visitors around the park, where they will see characters from Thomas’ World, including the Fat Controller.

The attraction is set to open at Easter 2007.

Park director Laurence Smith said: “Since acquiring Drusillas 10 years ago, we have invested heavily in the park and are pleased with the steady increase in visitor numbers. Thomas will make a huge difference because he is so popular with our target audience of 2- to 8-year-olds.”

HIT Entertainment is owned by private equity investment group Apax Partners. Details: www.hitentertainment.com or www.drusillas.co.uk

Photograph: Drusillas’ directors Laurence and Christine Smith with HIT director Teri Ruffley