New fat controller has all the right qualifications

James Haydn-Thomas will blow his whistle after responding to a carefully-worded advert.

Managing Director Laurence Smith had to jump through a number of legal hoops to recruit him.

Human resource advisers had told Mr Smith he could not discriminate against thin people.

But although interest was shown by several people, only Mr Hadyn-Thomas returned an application form.

A spokeswoman for the park said: 'Luckily the applicant had all the necessary attributes and even had previous experience in the role.

'Following a lengthy telephone interview and a trial day, the position was amply filled.'

The Fat Controller will make occasional appearances at the park's Thomas and Friends train ride.