THE second War in the Cotswolds event on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway was a runaway success at the weekend with 2,000 visitors turning out.

People were transported back 75 years in time on Saturday and Sunday with vintage vehicles, big band music and demonstrations and cameos highlighting what life was like during the dark years of the Second World War.

April showers on the first day failed to dampen the great British spirit with people enjoying a packed programme of entertainment at the railway's stations including Morris dancers, singers and musicians and even a poet on the trains bringing the wartime experience to life.

And Home Guard troops were even inspected by 'Queen Elizabeth' and 'Monty' at Gotherington station.

Ian Crowder, public relations officer for Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway , said: "It was truly fantastic. The event itself was just outstanding. People turned up in costumes and uniform.

"I think people are interested in these war time type things because of the popularity of programmes like Dad's Army and Allo Allo.

"The trains were absolutely jam packed. We had about 1,000 people each day. On the whole, it was a lot better than last year."