THERE’s a new hero for train-mad kids steaming down the track – and it’s based on a real engine here in the Forest.

Dean Forest Railway volunteer and award-winning illustrator Matt Crossfield has just published the first in a series of books for children up to the age of six based on locomotives of the Dean Forest Railway.

The book entitled Counting Sheep features the railway’s Prairie tank engine 5541.

It tells the story of 5541’s encounters with the sheep family and gives important lessons about safety on the railway between Lydney and Parkend.

The book was officially launched with a signing session by author and illustrator Matt at the railway’s Norchard centre on Saturday (April 20).

The series, which is called The Forest Railway Stories is published by Lydney-based Lightmoor Press.

Caldicot-based Matt said: “Railways have always been one of my interests and I have been a volunteer at the Dean Forest Railway for some time.

“I hope the children will enjoy reading about 5541 as much as I have writing about her and her Forest friends.”

Publisher Neil Parkhouse said: “This is our first venture into the world of children’s books and we are delighted to be working with Matt who is such a talented illustrator and author.

“The stories are wonderful and I’m sure they will be very popular with three to six-year-olds. The stories also include some very important message about being safe near the railway.”

Matt was named the Young Cartoonist of the Year by the British Cartoonist Association last year.

Tne 40-page book is available at the Dean Forest Railway shop at Norchard.