THE FAT Controller at Elsecar Heritage Centre's railway has had to pass an exam to carry on doing the job.

Dave Murfitt, who travels from his home in Scarborough for the role, had to pass an intensive training course which is compulsory for a railway to hold official Thomas the Tank Engine event.

The retired Barnsley train driver steamed through the exam. He said: "I was told I was a natural but I have been doing it for years. Thomas has to behave himself when he comes to Elsecar and he knows it." Dave, 65, went on the eight-hour course on Sunday with seven would-be controllers.

He was chuffed to pass the training as failure would have been the end of the line for Thomas at the heritage centre.

At least nine railways, including the North Yorkshire Moors, have either failed to meet the new criteria or refused to comply with the strict guidelines.

But Dave will continue to don his iconic top hat, yellow waistcoat and top and tails for Thomas fans. Preservation group chairman Malcolm Banks said everyone was delighted to keep their Thomas licence. He said: "We are dead chuffed Dave did us proud and we can continue to hold the Thomas events as they're a great family day.

"As far as a fat controller goes he fits the bill exactly - he doesn't even need any padding." The next scheduled Thomas event will be held at the heritage centre on March 15 and 16.