King Of The Railway: Thomas The Tank Engine joins steam legend Stephenson's Rocket for new film

Thomas the Tank Engine will steam into 2013 as the “King of the Railway” (PA)

Thomas The Tank Engine is teaming up with another historic steam favourite, Stephenson's Rocket, on screen for the first time.

The duo will join forces in a new animated film adventure to be seen later this month called King Of The Railway.

Filmmakers at Hit Entertainment have created a CGI version of the Rocket - which was built in 1829 - called Stephen, joining Thomas, Percy, James and their pals from Sodor.

In the film, being released in cinemas and later on DVD, the engines have to show their bravery when Stephen goes missing.

The Rocket has previously appeared in book form with the other engines when in Thomas And The Great Railway Show which was written by Christopher Awdry, the son of the series creator.

The film will be given its premiere in London's Leicester Square on Sunday and will be screened in a number of Vue Cinemas for a week from August 23. It will be released on DVD on September 2.

PA