THOUSANDS of visitors got a nostalgically enjoyable taste of life 70 years ago at the Grassington 1940s Weekend.

Dancers in the streets, singers in the squares and military re-enactors all helped to engender an atmosphere that was "absolutely fabulous" and left happy organisers enthusing over plans for next year's event.

This was the third of the village forties weekends - and it is really going from strength to strength, said chairman of the organising sub-committee, John Benson.

He told the Craven Herald: "It was fantastic to see so many people coming in to the village and having such a good time, and really makes the hard work of so many people worthwhile.

"The concerts on Saturday night were sold out and the tea dances were pretty much full. The weekend is a real community effort and to see it paying off so well is very gratifying for the village. There was a real spirit of enjoyment everywhere."

Many visitors were happy to get into that spirit by dressing in vintage clothing, while the re-enactors did a great job in bringing a truly authentic military feel to proceedings. The military vehicles in one of the town squares proved especially popular, as did the 'Winston Churchill' actor, in 'trademark' dark suit and cigar whose words stirred the crowds.

The 'park and ride' wartime-liveried buses were also admired by visitors, with one man celebrating his birthday by booking 40 friends on for a trip. More sombre was Sunday's remembrance service and parade, in which hundreds remembered those who gave their lives in the war years.

Work has already started on planning next year's weekend, which should again take place in September, said Mr Benson."We are already looking to at a spectacular surprise as one of the centre pieces for next year, and the first planning meeting is next week.

"It's very pleasing that the 1940s weekend has take off so well and we feel is has really helped to put Grassington even more on the map as a tourist destination.

"Of course we hope that people who have never been before will come back on other occasions when they see just what this village and this area have to offer.

"Yo do get a real sense of the community working together to make it a success, and that can only be good for the future.

"There is a team of 10 on the organising committee and about 50 volunteers, who work very hard on it, but everybody in the village has helped to make it a success. I believe they can see what we are trying to do, which is raise the profile of Grassington as a tourist destination."

Mr Benson added that the committee wished to thank everyone who had sponsored the event, including Dales Dairy who had donated all the milk for the weekend and Cottages 4 U who had sponsored the displays in the square.