The Railway Children, Farnworth Little Theatre,

EDITH Nesbit's charming 1906 tale is a vital, direct link to a world in which belief in a positive moral necessity is repaid handsomely, and Alan Knott's delightful production warms this cold January with feelgood factor by the barrowload.

After the mysterious 'disappearance' of their father, Roberta, Phyllis and Peter become attached to the nearby railway line in the new village.

The Railway becomes a lifeline for the trio, helping them keep their father alive in their imaginations, connecting them with generous allies near and far, and enabling them to make a real contribution to their new community.

Chris Millard brilliantly anchors the action as Perks, the stationmaster who also narrates, and Amy Collins, Roxanna Kennedy and Tom May invest great maturity and accomplishment in the three lead roles.

Julie Cain as their mother is a fine portrait in parental stoicism, and Harvey Walton excels, as usual, as the Russian dissident Szezepansky given shelter by the family. There are also splendid cameos from Mike Jones, Eric Smith and Lesley Norris. As the Perks children, Josh Hubber, Robert May and Jake Aspinall stand out with lively characterizations, and there is lovely support from Hettie Watson, Penny Dempsey, Jessica Holt and Josh Cook.

With Mona Smith, Dave Smalley, David Stirzaker and Amy Graham adding their talents, this is one railway where time stands still.

And we, the public, don't mind at all. Quite marvellous.

Nigel McFarlane