Thomas The Tank Engine will be joined by a new autistic friend called Bruno The Brake Car in the new series of Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go.

The character - voiced by autistic actor Chuck Smith - will play a "vital role" in upcoming episodes of the show, a reboot of the Thomas & Friends series which ran from 1984 to 2021.

A description for Bruno from makers Mattel reads: "Bruno is a joyful, pun-making brake car. He is great at his job and keeps big, heavy cargo steady with his strong brakes - a vital role in Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go.

"Bruno rolls in reverse at the end of the train, which gives him a unique perspective on the world. Detail-oriented Bruno enjoys schedules, routine, and knows where all the tracks lead on Sodor.

"Bruno has stairs and a lantern on his bright, red exterior that indicate his emotional state, moving when he is excited or cautious. Bruno's best day is one spent with his friends, who love and respect him for who he is, just as he loves them back.

"Through his on-screen presence, Bruno's rich friendships and important work introduces audiences to a positive, neurodivergent role model. Together with key partners, Mattel carefully curated Bruno's character to ensure an accurate fictional representation of an autistic child in the real world."

The show airs on Cartoon Network and Netflix in the US and on Channel 5 and Nick Jr in the UK.