In pictures: Severn Valley Railway goes back to 1940s
With men in uniform gathered on the platform as the evacuation train pulled into the station, visitors to the Severn Valley Railway could have been forgiven for thinking they were back in wartime Britain.
The spirit of the 1940s – complete with flags being waved and well turned out ladies – was certainly captured on the heritage line.
Some very famous faces – including Sir Winston Churchill, King George VI and General Montgomery – could be seen during the first of the SVR's Step Back to the 1940s Weekends of the year.
They ravelled alongside the many passengers who boarded the SVR's "evacuation trains" for a steam train trip along the 16-mile line from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth.
Visitors witnessed feats of military bravery as the hugely popular battle returned once again to Highley.
A Spitfire and Hurricane made flypasts over the weekend as part of the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
Hundreds of costumed re-enactors greeted visitors at the railway's six main stations as well as on its trains, helping to tell the wartime story along the line.
The event will take place again this weekend and visitors will be able to gain an insight into wartime life with replica air-raid shelters, bombed-out building, ARP post, Dig for Victory garden and privy, ID card checkpoint and hospital train, as well as displays of historic civilian and military vehicles.
Ladies will also be able to head to the hair salon at Kidderminster to have their victory rolls done.
Musical performers will be getting people "in the mood" and a range of stalls selling 40s memorabilia will be on offer along the line.
Visitors will also be able to join the congregation at a 1940s wedding, taking place at Arley at 2.30pm on each day.
Last year's 1940s Weekends saw more than 7,100 people descend on the attraction to soak up the nostalgia.
Clare Gibbard, the SVR's marketing and communications manager, said: "Last weekend was a busy weekend and the pre-booked numbers were very encouraging, it was very well attended and overall a very good atmosphere.
"The highlight was the Hurricane flying over, as we never know whether they will be able to do it or not.
"We were really pleased that they did, it added to the atmosphere as it flew over the railway.
"Fingers crossed this weekend will be like a nice summer's day."
Booking is advised, although there may be tickets available on the door.
