AROUND 2,000 visitors took a step back in time to the war years with Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway.

Across the weekend a mix of locals, visitors and re-enactment groups dressed up in civilian and military costume for the 1940s event.

The stations were also decked out to simulate scenes from wartime Britain complete with songs from Vera Lynn and posters.

The Home Guard were on hand to keep things in order and soldiers and airmen returned home on leave.

The Ministry of Food even gave the railway special dispensation to operate its restaurant car without the requirement for food stamps.

Stuart Bell, the station master at Embsay, said: "The atmosphere is really good, it is a very enjoyable day out for people."

The annual event is now in its sixth year and plans are already afoot for next year's event.

Mr Bell said that this year's event was the most successful ever, particularly as many visitors took the opportunity to get dressed up as well.

"I assume that many families were rummaging around in their attics for outfits for the weekend."

The weekend included a 1940s dance at Bolton Abbey village hall which was attended by many of the re-enactors that had travelled from as far afield as Newcastle and London for the event.