IT was a time of celebration and reflection when East Lancashire Railway staged its annual 1940s Wartime Weekend over the bank holiday.

The three-day commemoration of the Second World War took on extra poignance this year, given the recent events in the Gulf.

Mr Neil Parkington, event co-ordinator, said: "It is the fifth Wartime Weekend we have held to serve as a reminder of the Second World War and to celebrate, pay tribute and keep alive the memory of those who fought for their country. Given recent events, the Wartime Weekend was particularly poignant this year."

War veterans were among the many local and international visitors to the event. Highlights of the weekend included battle re-enactments, a convoy of military vehicles driving to Tottington to lay a wreath in the Garden of Remembrance and a veterans parade.

Shows depicting the fashion of the era were staged, along with evening dances featuring the tunes of the 1940s.

Mr Parkington said: "Every year we try and add something new to the weekend, which I feel appeals to the public. This year we depicted the 60th anniversary of the Dambuster Raid and were fortunate to have obtained a collection of Lancaster Bomber artefacts and memorabilia for display in the exhibition. Next year we will commemorate the D-Day Landings.