Everyone’s favourite little blue engine is making another return to Greater Manchester once again this summer.
But this time, it’s with a rock and roll twist.
After delighting families throughout the region during countless successful events over the past couple of years, East Lancashire Railway (ELR) has announced that the Thomas the Tank Engine replica train is back this summer, arriving in a couple of weeks for a ‘rocking good’ time.
In case you aren’t too familiar with the beloved Day Out With Thomas experience, it’s said to be ‘a train ride like no other’.
Families have the chance to hop onboard the replica of the cult-classic blue train character when he returns next weekend for a 45-minute trip through the Greater Manchester countryside.
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Everyone’s favourite little blue engine is making another return to Greater Manchester this summer / Credit: ELR
The journey begins at Bury Train Station, where you’ll be greeted by The Fat Controller, meet Sir Topham Hatt, say hello to Thomas on the platform, and then climb aboard a carriage, all before Thomas makes a final stop at the beautiful Ramsbottom station.
The doors to Bury Transport Museum will also be open across the weekend and will be hosting loads of fun free activities.
On the Day Out With Thomas: Let’s Rock, Let’s Roll Tour, families will be able to watch and dance along to exciting live shows with Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty & Dusty, join in the Thomas and Friends character hunt, have fun with garden games, keep the beat going at the ‘Music Corner’ packed with music-inspired fun, and so much more.
Thomas will be stopping at East Lancashire Railway this year on 18-19 July so there’s plenty of opportunities to see him, and tickets are now on sale.
Ticket prices start at £14.50 for kids, and £24 for adults.
Police appeal launched as man, 51, dies MONTHS after M60 crash
Daisy Jackson
A man in his 50s has tragically died several months after a collision on the M60, with a renewed police appeal launched this week.
At the time of the crash in July, none of the injuries sustained were believed to be life-changing or threatening.
But sadly, a 51-year-old man who was the driver of one of the vehicles involved has passed away recently.
Officers from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are now appealing for information about the M60 crash.
The road traffic collision took place at 9.13pm on Wednesday 1 July, between two vehicles between junction 16 and 17 of the M60, in Bury.
Emergency services at the time reported that none of the injuries were life-changing or life-threatening.
All the vehicle occupants have been identified, and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances into the man’s death.
Police have said that his death cannot be definitively linked to the collision at this stage and work is ongoing to determine the exact cause and nature.
Anyone with information or dashcam footage of the collision is urged to contact police via 101 or gmp.police.uk, quoting log 3829 of 1 July 2026. Reports can also be made via the Live Chat function at gmp.police.uk.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Police appeal launched as woman dies after being hit by lorry in Bury
Daisy Jackson
A woman has tragically died after being hit by a lorry in Bury yesterday afternoon.
At around 3.45pm on Tuesday 6 October, emergency services were called to a road traffic collision in Radcliffe.
The collision was between a pedestrian and a lorry on Church Street West.
Tragically, the pedestrian – a woman in her 50s – passed away at the scene despite the efforts of emergency services.
A large cordon was in place yesterday and road has remained closed this morning.
Officers from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit are now appealing for information.
They said: “At around 3.45pm yesterday (Tuesday 6 October 2026) we were called to reports of a road traffic collision between a pedestrian and a lorry on Church Street West, Radcliffe.
“Emergency services attended but sadly the pedestrian, a woman in her 50s, passed away at the scene.
“No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.
“Anyone with information including CCTV, Ring doorbell or dashcam footage is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 2299 of 06.10.26. Reports can also be made via our website of the LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk.
“Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Emily Sergeant -
30th June 2026 
