IT will be a double dose of war nostalgia as thousands flock to the biggest event in Wyre Forest.

Due to a massive increase in numbers the Severn Valley Railway 1940s Weekend is being held on two successive weeks for the first time - starting Saturday.

Up to 10,000 visitors are expected to ride the rails on the 16-mile line as the railway is transformed into a war-zone. Winston Churchill, alias Robert Burns, salutes the efforts of Severn Valley Railway volunteers for the forthcoming 1940s Weekends.

Kidderminster Town Station manager Malcolm Broadhurst said: "During our first three or four years the 1940s weekend was averaging about 4,000 visitors.

"Last year that rocketed to almost 8,000 and the number of people who came dressed in 40s gear was incredible.

"Now we've reached the point where one weekend is not enough to cope with the number of visitors - so we're running two, back-to-back.

"1940s weekend is without doubt not just a big date in the SVR calendar but a big date for Kidderminster, Bridgnorth and the West Midlands in general."

The wartime spirit will be just the tonic for Severn Valley troops after news this week it has had a massive slump in profits to derail 30th anniversary celebrations.

Highlights of this year's event will include a flyover by the world-famous aerobatic display team the Red Arrows on the second weekend.

Other flyovers will see a Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster Bomber in the skies.

The railway will become a veritable Hollywood film set with a German invasion force, spivs on the line, ARP wardens, and at least 80 civilian and military vehicles.

Stunning special effects will include a direct hit on a fuel train by German bombers but in true wartime spirit the Allen Francis Big Band will play on.