The north Wales railway which was the real-life inspiration for many of the Thomas the Tank Engine characters could be de-railed by the multi-million-pound company which owns the copyright for the children's books.

The Talyllyn Railway, near Tywyn, Gwynedd, is determined to fight off the powerful copyright owners, claiming they were the original Thomas the Tank Engine.

The Reverend Wilbert Awdry began writing the Thomas stories over 50 years ago after being impressed by a trip to the little railway.

The Talyllyn narrow-gauge line was built in the 19th century to carry slate from the Bryn Eglwys quarries near Abergynolwyn.

Since 1951 the volunteers of the Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society have run the line and made improvements to it.

Now every year an engine called Peter Sam after one of the stories' best-loved characters takes tourists on trips up and down the line.

But copyright owners Britt Allcroft want the railway company to enter a licensing agreement with them or change the engine's name.

Railway to stand firm

Talyllyn Railway traffic manager David Leech said they intend to stand firm.

"I think it would be a great pity if the children were to be deprived of something they love so much," he said.

"Quite frankly we are pleased to be able to provide something they love so much."

Railway volunteer John Smallwood said Peter Sam is the first thing children ask about when they turn up for a trip on the famous railway.

Peter Sam is due to be back on track for the Easter holidays.