THOUSANDS of people flocked to Grassington at the weekend as the village hosted its sixth annual 1940s weekend.

"The 1940s weekend was absolutely superb," said John Benson, chairman of the Grassington 1940s weekend committee. "Everything went very smoothly and the event was really well attended.

"The sun shone on us," he added. "It was uncanny the way the weather behaved. The rain started spitting at 4pm on Sunday just as we were finishing up."

Mr Benson said the Friday evening concert featuring The Alkaseltzer Sisters, which kicked off the weekend, was sold out with 300 people in attendance.

Another concert in the Grassington Town Hall on Saturday evening, featuring the sounds of the the Echo 42 Big Band, was also sold out.

But the daytime events, which included tea dances on both Saturday and Sunday afternoon, also proved very popular.

There was a parade from the town hall into the town square at midday on Sunday, and the Rev Peter Thomas lead a service which was well attended.

"We sang hymns as Earby Brass Band played, and the Last Post was very moving," said Mr Benson.

He said another highlight of the weekend was when the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Team, who were flying a Lancaster bomber, made three passes over the village on Sunday.

Mr Benson also said local celebrity Maurice Grumbleweed donated a painting portraying people all dressed in period costume at last year's Grassington 1940s weekend. Funds raised from the painting were donated to Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue.

There were many re-enactor groups in attendance and several displays of vintage military vehicles, including a Spitfire in the centre of the village.

"I'd like to thank all the committee members and volunteers who took part in the weekend," said Mr Benson, who was also thankful to sponsors such as Yorkshire Cottages, Dales Dairies and Skipton Hire Centre who helped the event run smoothly.