Toymaker Hornby (LON:HRN) is remaking its iconic Thomas the Tank Engine model railway sets to mark the TV series’ 70th anniversary.
Hornby first developed the train sets 30 years ago and will bring back the models after the popular children's TV series was given a makeover to bring it into the 21st Century.
Now a CGI cartoon show, Thomas & Friends appears on Channel 5 and Nickelodeon in the UK and has proved popular among pre-school children, with total merchandise sales rising 18% in the year to date according to market research.
Chief executive Richard Ames said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another agreement with Thomas & Friends. We have been consistently asked by consumers about our plans and we are pleased to confirm the product will be in the market in 2015.
Thomas, James, Henry, Percy and Edward train figures will be available from December.
Hornby also announced Steve Cook as its new finance director, replacing the incumbent Nick Stone in the summer.