THE festive spirit has steamed into Thomas Land for fans of all ages.

While it may still be November, the attraction at Drayton Manor has turned into a winter wonderland — with snow showers several times a day.

We have not been to Thomas Land for a few years, but at eight and 10, the children were still enchanted by Thomas and his Friends, as, I must say, were the adults.

The Fat Controller and his engines put on a spectacular show to get visitors into the festive spirit.

The family-friendly attraction includes flights on Harold the Helicopter, a scenic ride on the Winston, the Fat Controller's car, which offers a bird's eye view of the park, and the sedate classic cars, which take you on a trip down Memory Lane.

The pace picks up a bit with the uplifting Cranky the Crane ride, a choppy trip on tug boat Bulstrode, and the Troublesome Trucks rollercoaster.

There are a couple of Drayton Manor's other rides open, such as the Accelerator roller coaster, which my thrill-seeking wife and daughter enjoyed, while my son and I looked on from the safety of a bench, the nerves still recovering from the Troublesome Trucks.

White-knuckle rides are definitely not for me, but, to be fair, even I was enjoying myself during the Trucks' second lap — and there is photographic evidence to prove it!

Thomas, Percy and the gang regularly take visitors from Knapford Station to the park zoo where they can see Santa's reindeer getting ready for their big day.

There is also a dramatic dinosaur park and play area, and visitors can take time to pose for selfies in front of the famous engines just before they return to the station.

Throughout the day, the Fat Controller and his staff appear on the balcony above Knapford Station to spread festive cheer and lead a sing-along as snow showers cover the attraction.

And, with Christmas fast approaching, youngsters can visit Santa in the Castle of Dreams and tell him whether they have been naughty or nice.

And there is plenty more for the whole family including ice skating and fireworks which bring each day to a close.

The time flies by at Thomas Land and we left in festive spirits.

Drayton Manor Drive, Tamworth B78 3TW, visit draytonmanor.co.uk/ or call 0844 472 1950 for details and festive opening times.