Belle and Flynn the Fire Engines are both Really Useful. They help to keep the Island safe. Not only do they fight fires, but they help patrol the island with Harold the Helicopter, especially when Harold is ill or busy elsewhere.

It was a bright, sunny day on the Island of Sodor. Belle was out patrolling the line. Harold was having engine trouble and she had volunteered to go out. She was traveling along one of the branch lines when she discovered a very beautiful place. There were sailing boats, fishing boats and sparkling sea water.

Then, Belle saw another engine. It was Arthur, but Belle had never met him before. "Hello," he said. "Welcome to the Fishing Village. I'm Arthur and you must be Belle."

"Yes. How did you know?"

"Well, there's only one other big tank engine on this island besides me. Thomas told me about you, and he says you're a Really Useful Rescue Engine." Belle blushed.

Just then, the Village Manager arrived. "Dominic was taking some empty trucks to Brendam Docks. He had to stop in a siding to let Henry through, but the points have jammed." Then, he turned to Belle. "Arthur is very busy today Can you stay and help him?"

Belle wasn't sure. "But I haven't finished my patrol yet. You could ask permission from the Search and Rescue Centre."

"I'll telephone them at once."

When Belle received permission, she set to work, but was a little disappointed. She didn't like to let her friends down.

The Village Manager was right. There were lots of trucks to shunt and Belle worked as hard as she could. "Oh, my," she sniffed, "that's a strong smell."

"It's the fish," said Arthur. "I know why some engines can't stand it, but it's so beautiful here." Belle smiled. She had to agree.

That evening, all the trucks were shunted. Now, there was one long train of fish to be taken away. "Where is all this fish going?" asked Belle.

"Brendam Docks," said Arthur, "but most of it travels on the Flying Kipper."

The Manager came back. "Dominic is still stuck. They've had to replace the rails on the points, but you can't take this train alone."

Belle thought for a moment. She knew she had to get back to the Search and Rescue Centre soon, but she didn't want there to be any confusion with the fish. "Excuse me, Sir. May I be of further assistance?"

The Manager smiled. "I don't see why not."

So together, Arthur and Belle took the fish to the Docks. They passed Dominic still stuck on the siding. "Thank you, Belle," he called.

When they got to the Docks, Arthur shunted the trucks onto the Flying Kipper. By then, it was dark. Belle was happy. Soon, she could get back to the Search and Rescue Centre.

Then, there was trouble.

The Dockmaster walked up. "It's Henry. He's broken down and can't take the Flying Kipper. It's very heavy tonight and we can't have any delay, so you two will have to take it for him."

Now, Bell was worried. "Sir, I was supposed to be patrolling the island today, but Arthur needed help. I thought I could watch the island tonight to make up for it."

"Well, Arthur can't pull the train on his own," said the Manager.

Then, an idea flew into Arthur's funnel. "Maybe you can do both jobs at once, Belle."

"How?"

"Let me take the train and you couple in front. Then, while we're delivering the fish, you can keep an eye out for trouble."

Belle smiled. "That's a great idea!"

So, that's what they did. The two engines coupled up to the Flying Kipper with Belle up front. As they puffed across the island, Belle's lamps shone brightly as she watched for trouble and all the while, the two engines delivered the fish across the island.

The next morning, Belle puffed back to the Search and Rescue Centre. Everyone was waiting for her, even the Fat Controller. They had all heard about what Belle had done the day before.

Flynn smiled. "Well done, Belle."

But Belle still felt a little sad that she had let her friend down. "I'm sorry, Flynn. I was asked to stay at the Fishing Village and help Arthur and I left you to look after Sodor on your own. You and Harold are my friends and I let you both down."

The Fat Controller smiled. "But Belle, you didn't let you friends down." Belle was surprised. "If you hadn't stayed to help Arthur, another engine would've had to be sent from somewhere else. I was also told about Arthur's idea to help you keep the island safe, so you were helping your friends after all and in doing so, you prevented serious confusion and delay. We are all very proud of you." Everyone cheered and Belle smiled.

Belle and Flynn still help Harold make sure the Island of Sodor is safe, but sometimes, Belle is called away to help her friends and that's okay because, in both ways, she is still helping to keep her friends safe and out of trouble.