A/N Edward, Trevor and the Really Useful Party, so Edward tells it.

Hey, it's me, Edward and this time, I shall tell about the time Trevor helped me.

Trevor the Traction Engine was old-fashioned but he doesn't care. He knows that is really useful, like his friend, me. Early one morning, Trevor was chuffing about the Vicarage Orchard. He had important news for me.

"The Vicar says not all children are able to have holidays by the sea, so he's having a garden party to raise money for a seaside trip. I'm going to be the star attraction," chuffered Trevor. "Giving rides to all the visitors. The Vicar is putting up posters all about it."

"I'd like to help, too," I sighed. "But without my rails, I wouldn't be much good at a garden party." It was a beautiful day, but I was worried. "I wish there was something I could do for the party," I said. "I'd like to be helpful, like Trevor."

Driver laughed, "You're helpful in your own way and that's on the railway." He wanted to cheer me up, my driver of that time, Charlie. Drivers have served as sources of comfort and advice for us living engines for many years.

Next day, it was Trevor's turn to look disappointed. He had bad news.

"The vicar's been so busy that he forgot to put up the posters. Now, no one will know about the party."

But I had an idea. "Don't worry," I said. "Everything is going to be all right."

Then I explained to Driver. "The vicar can paste his posters on my cab and coaches, so wherever I go, they'll go too." I wanted to help and now I had a way to do so.

"Well done, Edward," said Driver. "I'm sure Sir Topham Hatt would agree."

As indeed he did. I steamed happily through the stations collecting my passengers.

"Look!" they said. "The vicar is holding a party. We must go to that." Trevor told me all about what happened next.

Later Trevor was resting in the orchard shed when Bertie rolled by.

"Hello, Trevor. Why are you dozing there like an old stick-in-the-mud?"

"I'm not dozing. I'm resting," replied Trevor.

Then he told Bertie about the vicar's party.

"I'll be there, too," boasted Bertie. "I'm not sure people would wanna ride on an old traction engine after traveling in a smart red bus like me."

The party day arrived. It rained heavily during the night and the orchard ground was soaked.

"Rain and mud won't spoil my day," said Trevor.

"No, indeed," agreed his driver. "We'll stay on the road. Then we won't get bogged down."

Trevor was soon busy trundling up and down the quiet country lane, carrying lots of laughing children. He was just turning a corner when he heard Bertie. I'm sure my friend loved that, because he likes children so much.

"Hello old timer. I'm taking everyone to the party. People have come from all over the island."

Trevor gave Bertie a cheerful whistle and turned back toward the orchard. Then there was trouble.

"Help, I'm stuck!" shouted Bertie.

His wheels had sunk deep in the orchard mud. Terence the Tractor arrived just in time.

"I'm the one who has to plow fields," laughed Terence. "We better get you out of here."

Using strong ropes, Terence and Trevor pulled Bertie clear of the mud.

"This will teach Bertie a thing or two," Trevor chuffered to himself.

At last, Bertie was on the road again.

"Thank you, Trevor. You're not a stick-in-the-mud at all."

"No," smiled Trevor. "But you were. Just for a little while."

That evening, the vicar arrived to see us, Driver and me.

"Thanks to your good idea about the posters, hundreds of people paid to come to the party. We've raised lots of money for the children. I felt Really Useful in providing help for the party.

I was very pleased and Trevor fell happily to sleep thinking of all the children who would now get to the seaside at last.

A/N I'm not British, they are. Review if you like, but respect my English and my Thomasverse.