IT’S full steam ahead as East Lancashire Railway prepares to stage its annual 1940s Wartime Weekend this bank holiday.

The 1940s event makes a triumphant return, with entertainment taking place at themed stations in Bury, Ramsbottom and Rawtenstall from Saturday (May 23) to Monday (May 25).

The weekend, which has become an annual event for the railway for the past 17 years, attracts several thousand visitors to the area.

Highlights include live battle scenarios, vintage and military vehicles, vintage memorabilia stalls, 1940s makeovers, evening dances and themed shows, living history displays, a VE Day concert, ration card quiz, vintage cream tea services, military parade and re-enactors dressed in 1940s fashion.

This year’s event introduces themed stations to represent the different locations and aspects of 1940s history, from the back streets of Paris at Ramsbottom's station, to little Germany in Rawtenstall.

Marketing manager Kate Walker said: “We are really excited for this year’s event and have added some new attractions to make sure that there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

“There has been lots of interest in the event already and advanced ticket sales are 50 per cent up, so fingers crossed it will be our best weekend yet.”

Ramsbottom Heritage Society will be selling copies of their newspaper, Ramsbottom War News - a series of newspapers relaying the story of life in the town during the Second World War as told by people who were there.

Articles this year will be taken from the Ramsbottom Observer’s 1944 editions.

For further information or to book on the East Lancashire Railway: call 0161 764 7790 from 10am to 4pm.