The show was a runaway success and ran for just shy of 40 years

THOMAS the Tank Engine series creator Britt Allcroft has died aged 81.

The TV producer secured the rights to adapt Reverend Wilbert Awdry’s Railway Series in the 1970s.

Britt Allcroft, creator of Thomas the Tank Engine, with a movie camera.

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The TV producer secured the rights in the 1970sCredit: PA:Press Association
Woman in leather jacket holding pink balloons by parking meter.

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Allcroft’s death was announced by filmmaker Brannon CartyCredit: Facebook
Black and white photo of Britt Allcroft.

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She helped create a number of programmes for the BBC and ITVCredit: Getty

Filmmaker and friend Brannon Carty shared the sad news of Allcroft’s passing on X, formerly Twitter.

A statement from Allcroft’s family described her as an “adoring mother and wife and visionary producer”.

Carty wrote: “It is with great sadness that I share with you the passing of Britt Allcroft.

“The Allcroft-Wright family has asked me to bring this news to the Thomas fandom.

“The family is currently in mourning and asks that their privacy be respected at this time.

“She brought so much joy and happiness to people everywhere during her time on Earth.”

He continued: “Over the years of knowing Britt, we developed a close connection.

“It was truly a privilege to have her as both a mentor and a friend, and I’m so glad that so many fans were able to meet her at the New York screening of An Unlikely Fandom.

“It was an absolute honour to have her in our documentary, and she has since remained a vocal supporter of our cause.

“I think I can speak for the entirety of the fandom when I say that all of us will deeply miss her.

“Without her, so many of us would never have met.

“While I am devastated by her passing, we can all find comfort in the certainty that her legacy will endure forever through Thomas and his fans around the world. Rest in peace.”

Britt was born Hilary Mary Allcroft on December 14, 1943, in Worthing, West Sussex.

However she chose to change her first name to Britt as she began making strides in the British radio and television industry.

Before Thomas and Friends, Allcroft helped create a number of programmes for the BBC and ITV during the 1970s and 1980s.

These included Moon Clue Game and Mothers by Daughters.

The series Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends aired in 1984.

She spent four years alongside her husband – TV producer Angus Wright – raising funds to create the first 26 episodes.

The show was a runaway success and ran for just shy of 40 years.

Britt Allcroft at the premiere of Thomas and the Magic Railroad.

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The series Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends aired in 1984Credit: Alamy
Black and white photo of Britt Allcroft.

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Born Hilary Mary Allcroft, she chose to change her first name to BrittCredit: Getty
Britt Allcroft, director of *Thomas and the Magic Railroad*, with a Thomas the Tank Engine model.

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The show was a runaway success and ran for just shy of 40 years