COUNCIL bosses are trying to make this year’s 1940’s day more accessible to older people.

On Saturday Darwen Town Centre will transform into a scene from 1940s Britain, with vintage vehicles and live music from swing bands and retro singers.

Deputy leader of Darwen Town Council, Cllr Kevin Connor, said: “It’s going to be a great day, everyone’s going to be dressed in 1940’s gear so it will capture the feeling of the era.

“It’s something people of all ages can enjoy, and it’s a great way to get young and old people together talking.

“We are making it our priority to get more over 65's and disabled people into events in Darwen.”

Darwen Mayor Cllr Davies said: “We are trying to arrange for a number of free buses to take older people into the town centre."

This year’s event , which starts at 10am, will feature a kids corner with traditional toys and games from the era and history will come to life with a with the Veterans Living History Museum.

The museum promises a unique interactive display showcasing items and history from over 200 years of the British Military.

Chairman of the events committee, Cllr Victoria Rothwell, said: “We would like to get the older community more involved.

“We want to make them feel more welcome in the town and show them that they have not been forgotten.

“It would be great to get the nursing and care homes to bring their able bodied residents along.

“We want to get the different generations together talking about how life used to be in the 1940s.”

The event, which is in its eighth year, regularly draws hundreds of visitors of all ages, but there were doubts over whether the event would take place this year after a lack of volunteers.

Cllr Davies said: “We are asking people to support us as much as they possibly can do.

“Come down and have a look see what’s going on.

“The more events people support the more chance we have of putting them on in the future.

A spokesman for Darwen Town Council said: “If you work with the elderly we would love for you to bring them along to our 1940’s day.”

For more information visit darwentowncouncil.org.uk