Christopher Vere Awdry (born 2 July 1940) is an English author known for his contributions to
The Railway Series of books featuring
Thomas the Tank Engine, which was started by his father, the
Rev. W. Awdry. He has also produced children's books based on a number of other railways, as well as non-fiction articles and books on
heritage railways. He was born at
Devizes, the family moving to
Kings Norton, Birmingham when he was aged 5 months. Awdry was educated at
Worksop College, a public school in North Nottinghamshire.