NEVER mind the latest retro and vintage crazes - East Lancashire Railway has been getting into the swing with its 40s-themed weekends for years.

And their ‘Sing As You Go’ spectacular, which turned stations at Rawtenstall and Ramsbottom into small-but-perfectly-formed parade grounds, was no exception.

Battle re-enactors rubbed shoulders with ENSA-style entertainers to give the crowds a ‘roaring’ good time.

One of the key attractions at Ramsbottom was a replica Spitfire plane, brought to the town by donations from traders, alongside a display of military and vintage vehicles.

The Greater Manchester Army Cadet Forces Pipe and Drum Band also led a military parade through the town centre.

And there was a ‘front line’ battle re-enactment in and around Rawtenstall station. This was counter-balanced by the more genteel vintage afternoon teas on offer in specialist dining carriages.

Today there will be a 40s-style prom concert at St Paul’s Church, in Bridge Street, from 2pm, with Katie Mustang entertaining visitors in Ramsbottom, and Maria Manchester at Rawtenstall.

At Bury’s Bolton Street station, there was also a World War One commemorative stand and an exhibition of World War Two paintings.