WEST Somerset residents went back in time to take part in a 1940s themed event.

The event was organised by Robin Wichard from Living History Mobile Museum, who arranged for a 1940s military train to pass along the West Somerset Railway line.

The event featured music and comedy from the 1940s at Minehead, Washford, Watchet, and Bishops Lydeard stations, performed by nationally-known artists, while the Watchet Film Society will present a special showing of “Guernsey Literary and Potato Society” on the Friday evening (September 14).

On the Saturday (September 15) residents and visitors can swing into action with a 40s dance under the Minehead station platform canopy and starring the Liberty Sisters and George Formby tribute star Dickie Lines, with Ricky Hunter as MC.

A special late-night train will take people back home along the line to supplement the normal daytime steam service.

As a unique attraction, a 40s-style pop-up hairdressing salon was sited in a carriage at Minehead to get the ladies into the mood for the evening hop. The Deane Big Band played at the resort’s Regal Theatre on the Sunday evening to finish off the week-end.

Minehead Station was defended by a static Bofors anti-aircraft gun, and visitors enjoyed a Spitfire Experience plus an RAF display at Bishops Lydeard Station.

There were military and civilian vehicles at several locations along the line supported by enthusiasts in authentic US and British Service uniforms.

Visitors were able to visit military camps at Washford Station and meet the soldiers.

A memorial service and wreath-laying ceremony also took place at Watchet War Memorial on Sunday morning.

Mr Wichard said: “The event has taken a long time and a huge amount of effort to plan, and I am so grateful to all the people who have helped and embraced the idea.”