Happy 65th birthday, Thomas!

It's a number most children who play with Thomas can't imagine -- but Thomas the Tank Engine is 65 years old now.

Thomas began as a story told by Rev. Wilbert Awdry to his son Christopher (now 70 years old) when he was sick. Then Rev. Awdry eventually wrote down the stories, and they were first published in 1945, becoming a big hit in England.

The first Thomas and Friends TV show appeared in 1984, and even more children fell in love with the characters of the Island of Sodor.

Follow the link for more fascinating history about Thomas!