She discovered the character in a series of 1940s children’s books and thought Ringo Starr would make a great Mr. Conductor on television.

Britt Allcroft, who co-created the beloved "Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends" children's series, has died. She was 81.

The creator of Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends, Britt Allcroft, has died at 81-years-old. Allcroft was best known as a producer for several shows, including Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends after obtaining the rights to the Rev.