This fascinating image of classic children’s character Thomas the Tank Engine has been created from hundreds of pictures drawn by youngsters - of their best friends.
Renowned artist Nathan Wyburn has created the unique artwork from more than 377 individual heart-warming pictures from children as well as influencers and celebrities including Peter Andre.
As well as the image of Thomas and his friend Percy, the interactive piece [https://www.
Taking a close-up look at the super-sized picture, which can be done by using the special built-in zoom feature, reveals some famous faces among the crowd.
Images of Ant and Dec, Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, Stormzy and Ed Sheeran, and Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon are among the drawings after they were named the best celebrity friendships in a poll.
Their relationships have been immortalised in the style of Thomas and Friends by illustrator Daniel Crisp, who usually draws pictures for the books that accompany the series, to be included in the artwork.
Nathan Wyburn said: “I’ve used more than 350 images drawn by children across the UK to make a unique piece of digital art depicting the importance of friendship.
"It’s been great to see so many pieces of colourful and creative artwork.
“I have to say, working on this picture, has really put a smile on my face so I hope the finished piece does the same to everyone who sees it.”
The artwork, commissioned by Mattel, the makers of Thomas & Friends, ahead of International Friendship Day, comes after research revealed the formula to a perfect friendship is a mix of trust, loyalty and listening to each other.
Going through tough times with someone, being able to pick up where you left off despite not seeing them for months and getting honest opinions were also key components to the perfect friendship.
The study of 1,000 parents with children aged up to five also revealed nearly a quarter of their friends were people they got to know when they were young children.
And six in 10 said the friends they've known the longest are the ones they trust the most.
Claudia Caron, from Mattel, said: “In this special 75th anniversary year for Thomas & Friends, we are celebrating friendship in as many ways as possible.
"This includes taking a look at what it means to be a good friend and how we can nurture these important relationships, so they bring us a lifetime of joy and happiness.
“We know how difficult it has been for children not being able to see their friends recently.
"So we wanted to commission this very special artwork made up of all their pictures to immortalise these special friendships, and to raise a smile among everyone who sees it during these challenging times”.
It also emerged, those polled are still in regular contact with an average of two friends they met in either primary or preschool.
And it takes an average of four years to cement a close friendship with someone.
But when it comes to best friends, parents have been selective over the years, with only two friends gaining the coveted status.
One in 10 would usually see their best friends daily, with more than a third seeing them once a week and 27 per cent meeting up with them on a monthly basis.
But more than a quarter (28 per cent) see those they share the closest bonds with less than every three months, with some seeing them less than once a year.
Interestingly, 38 per cent of respondents said they used the time of the lockdown to get in touch with old friends they haven't spoken to in some time.
When they do get together, 68 per cent of parents speak to their friends about their children, as well as their work and love lives.
Almost two thirds also admitted they confide in them about personal details they wouldn't share with anyone else.
Top friends of those polled have looked after them when they’ve had children by making them food, driven hundreds of miles to comfort them in tough times and love their kids as if they’re their own.
When it comes to their children, 57 per cent of parents believe their kids are strongly influenced by the friends they spend their time with.
As a result, more than one five admitted they frequently have a say on which friends their children spend more time with, with 35 per cent getting involved occasionally.
Mums and dads also want their kids to be friends with others that display kindness, are trustworthy and are generally a good influence.
Parents also estimated their kids average three best friends - with half also believing how friendships are formed now differ to when they were kids.
A spokesman from Mattel, added: “Parents naturally want to ensure their children are learning the right things from the right friends – wanting others to be a positive influence on their young.”
TOP 10 SIGNS YOU’RE BEST FRIENDS WITH SOMEONE
1. Being honest with each other
2. They've been with you through the toughest of times
3. If you don't see each other for 6 months or a year you still pick up exactly where you left
4. They never judge you
5. Not feeling bad if you ask for a favour
6. They're the person you'd call at any time if you had an emergency
7. They're the person you confide in about anything
8. You always tell each other the truth
10. You think of them like a sister/brotherCAN YOU FIND THESE CELEBRITY FRIENDSHIPS HIDDEN IN THE IMAGE?• Ant McPartlin & Declan Donnelly
• Holly Willoughby & Philip Schofield
• Alesha Dixon & Amanda Holden
• Marvin Humes & Aston Merrygold
• Emma Bunton & Geri Horner
• Rochelle Humes & Frankie Bridge
• Claudia Winkleman & Tess Daly
• Mel Giedroyc & Sue Perkins
• Stormzy & Ed Sheeran
• Idris Elba & Dwayne Johnson
• Eamonn Holmes & Ruth Langsford
ENDS
