"Ladies and gentlemen: the train on Platform Four is Thomas the Tank Engine!"

Passengers at Carlisle station were thrilled to hear this announcement by a boy who's chuffed to bits about trains.

Three-year-old Harvey Bill won a Virgin Trains competition to make an announcement at his home town station.

He ended up making several, to the delight of Harvey, his mum and waiting passengers.

Harvey's mum Rhona Bill said: "Virgin were advertising a competition on Facebook for children to announce trains at Virgin stations.

"Harvey loves trains. I sent a picture of him at the station with his Nana and a steam train. Virgin contacted us to say congratulations and invited us down.

"We had a really good time. Harvey got to make his announcements. He announced Thomas the Tank Engine and he did a proper announcement for the Newcastle train. They were heard right across the station.

"There were three other children. One was from Carlisle and two had come across from Newcastle."

Harvey's stint at the microphone came on Thursday, when some West Coast Mainline trains were cancelled between Carlisle and Preston because of damage to an overhead wire.

"It was a bit chaotic," said Rhona. "They had a lot of rail replacement buses on so it was all hands on deck. Because of that Harvey didn't get to do a behind the scenes tour or to make the announcements from the office. He used one of the mobile microphones. Virgin invited us back the next day to have the tour."

Rhona, who is general manager of The Crown pub in Stanwix, added: "Before Harvey went to the station he was saying to everybody 'See you later when I'm famous!' He's always taken an interest in trains. He loves Thomas the Tank Engine. He likes going on trains. He loves the La'al Ratty."

Harvey's nana Pam Bill often accompanies her grandson to Carlisle station. Is she a fan of trains?

"I think she has to be, just like I have to be!" said Rhona. "I enjoy going on trains. And I enjoy the fact that he's passionate about something at such a young age."

Rhona is keen to thank Virgin Trains' staff for their hospitality. "I think too many people put down the train companies. Virgin were exceptional. They made us feel very welcome."

Michael Byrne, Virgin Trains station manager at Carlisle, said: “We like to surprise and delight and we were pleased to be able to do just that by inviting children to Carlisle station.

"We were overwhelmed by the response on social media and it’s great that so many children have an interest in the railway. We had a great time showing them how to make announcements. They all did a great job and I’m sure they could be the voice of Carlisle station in the future.”