Thomas and Friends, based on the railway series by Reverend W. Audrey, created by Britt Allcroft, read by Mark Morahan.

Welcome to the island of Sodor, a small magical island surrounded by sparkling bright blue sea.

It has fields of green and sandy yellow beaches,

castles to explore and bustling docks,

where giant cranes lift and load cargo from large ships.

There are also lots and lots of railway lines, where engines work hard to deliver goods and passengers to their destinations.

Today's story is about NIA, the tank engine who helped Thomas on his big world adventure

and travelled from Kenya in Africa to come and live on Sodo.

Nia is painted orange with colourful patterns on her sides and the number 18 on her cab.

Nia likes to have fun with her friends. She is clever, helpful and kind.

Lots of things were changing on Sir Topham Hats railway.

Edward and Henry had moved out of Tidmouth Sheds and Nia had moved in.

This made Gordon upset. Gordon didn't like change.

He was surprised one day when Nia arrived with his express coaches.

You don't usually bring me my coaches, Gordon grumbled.

Don't be so rude, Gordon, said Sir Topham hat.

Nia is a very welcome addition to our team.

Gordon huffed and weished out at the station.

Gordon was very upset.

The next day he refused to pull the express and hid himself away at Tidmouth Sheds.

Nia didn't like to see Gordon, sad.

So she went to see if she could help.

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