THOMAS the Tank Engine series creator Britt Allcroft has died at the age of 81.
The TV producer secured the rights to adapt the Reverend Wilbert Awdry’s 1970s railway series.
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TV producer secured rights in 1970s Credits: PA: Press Association
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Allcroft’s death was announced by director Brannon CartyCredit: Facebook
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She helped create a number of programs for the BBC and ITV Credit: Getty
Filmmaker and friend Brannon Carty shared the sad news of Allcroft’s death on Xu, 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 asked me to share this news with Thomas’ fans.
“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 bond.
“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 honor to have her in our documentary and she has remained a vocal supporter of our cause ever since.
“I think I can speak for the entire fandom when I say that we will all miss him dearly.
“Without her, many of us would never have met.
“While I am devastated by her passing, we can all find comfort in knowing that her legacy will live on forever through Thomas and his fans around the world. Rest in peace.”
Britt was born Hilary Mary Allcroft on 14 December 1943 in Worthing, West Sussex.
However, she decided to change her name to Britt when she began to progress in the British radio and television industry.
Before Thomas and Friends, Allcroft helped create a number of programs for the BBC and ITV during the 1970s and 1980s.
Among them are Moon Clue Game and Mothers by Daughters.
The series Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends was broadcast in 1984.
She spent four years together with her husband – TV producer Angus Wright – raising funds to create the first 26 episodes.
The show was an incredible success and ran for barely 40 years.
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The series Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends aired in 1984. Credits: Alamy
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Born Hilary Mary Allcroft, she decided to change her name to BrittCredit: Getty
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The show was an incredible success and ran for barely 40 years Credit: AP: Associated Press
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