Severn Valley Railway steps back into wartime

Monday 27th June 2011, 9:44AM BST.

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Hugh Williams, aged six, tries an air siren with Peter Haskett at the Severn Valley Railway in Kidderminster

The sounds of planes flying overhead and the sight of soldiers walking arm in arm with their sweethearts were brought to life at a Shropshire railway station.

Life on the home front during the Second World War was recreated during the Severn Valley Railway’s annual 1940s weekend.

Military vehicles lined up next to classic Rovers and Austins as the crowds arrived for events on Saturday and yesterday.

Staff put on authentic costumes in order to slip into character as residents of 1942.

Attractions including an air-raid shelter, ARP post, replica house and a ‘Dig for Victory’ allotment were laid on along the 16-mile line between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth to give visitors an insight into life during the war.

Stars from classic wartime comedy ‘Allo ‘Allo, including Arthur Bostrom who played Officer Crabtree and Kim Hartman who played Herr Flick’s lover Helga Geerhart, were at Highley station signing autographs and chatting to fans.

Singer Paul Harper entertained visitors at Bridgnorth station and there were vintage clothing stalls at Bewdley station.

Visitors also watched in awe as a Dakota aeroplane did a flypast at Kidderminster station.

Enjoying their day was Huw Williams, aged six, who had come on a day trip with brother Bryn, four, and their parents Rosie and Rhidian.

Mrs Williams said: “It has been a brilliant day and it is so good that everyone dresses up which just adds to the experience.”

Severn Valley Railway holds its next 1940s event this Saturday and Sunday.

View more: Severn Valley Railway news.