East Lancashire Railway has put together a jam-packed schedule ahead of the bank holidays in May for families.

Paddington Bear will be taking a trip to the railway along with the return of old favourites including Thomas the Tank Engine and a magical wizarding adventure.

Paddington Bear will be travelling all the way from Peru to Bury Transport Museum for the family fun day.

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Families can take part in exciting activities at the museum including fun fair rides, face painting and craft activities as well as getting a photo with the bear.

The fun continues across the road at Bury Bolton Street Station as tickets include a round trip ride on a real heritage steam or diesel train through the picturesque Lancashire countryside.

The Paddington Bear Family Fun Day takes place on Saturday, May 13.

Thomas the Tank Engine is also returning to the railway in May following huge popularity last year.

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Children can meet Sir Topham Hatt and say hello to Thomas before climbing aboard a carriage and taking a trip behind the number one engine for a journey through the Irwell Valley.

After the train journey, many Thomas themed activities will be available including fun fair rides, face painting, balloon modelling, hilarious performances by Rusty and Dusty, Sodor’s cheeky station sweepers and much more.

Day Out with Thomas takes place on Saturday, April 29 until bank holiday Monday, May 1.

For the "Wizarding Adventure", children can learn how to become a master of mystery and magic during an interactive whistle stop tour of the Wizard Academy.

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Visitors can take lessons in the basics of broomsticks, practice potion making, be instructed in incantations and learn to talk with a tawny owl.

The 90-minute adventure includes a round trip on a real heritage steam train with plenty of photo opportunities.

The Wizarding Adventure takes place on Sunday, May 21.

Click here for more information and to buy tickets.

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