Unseen Thomas & Friends footage with Ringo Starr narration airs for first time

An unseen version of the original pilot episode of the animated children’s steam train cartoon Thomas & Friends, with narration from the Beatles’ Sir Ringo Starr, is to be released for the first time.

The footage from Down The Mine will be shown to co-incide with the 80th anniversary of the British franchise, which follows the adventures of Thomas the tank engine and his friends.

The franchise originally began as a book series published in 1945 and was later adapted into a TV show in 1984, becoming a global success for multiple generations of young children.

The 40-year-old recording of the unseen version of the pilot episode, made on 35mm film, was discovered, put back together and digitalised for fans to view on YouTube from Friday.

Beatles drummer Sir Ringo was one of the first storytellers to join the show and can be heard narrating in the new footage alongside a bespoke musical arrangement by Mike O’ Donnell, the series’ composer between 1984-2003.

Roberto Stanichi, from Mattel, said: “For 80 years, the Thomas & Friends brand has brought joy to generations, sharing timeless stories and valuable life lessons.

“As we celebrate this momentous year, we’re unveiling 40-year-old footage and newly uncovered stories from the vault for the first time ever, offering longtime fans and new audiences the chance to reconnect with the beloved adventures of Thomas & Friends in new and nostalgic ways.”

Along with the unseen footage, the franchise will put original pieces from the brand’s history up for auction including artwork and props from the stop-motion scenes that first aired in 1984.

Partnering with specialist memorabilia auctioneer Propstore, fans also have the opportunity to take home items signed by celebrities who have voiced some of the characters on the series, including English actress Olivia Colman, The Theory Of Everything’s Eddie Redmayne and Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville.

The net proceeds will be donated by Mattel UK to the National Autistic Society, a charity that provides support, guidance and advice for autistic people and their families.

The auction will open for registration on May 8, with bidding to commence from the May 12-28.