Video and pictures: Wartime memories brought back to life in Shropshire

The banks of the River Severn stepped back in time and it seemed that characters from a film set had descended on Jackfield in the Ironbridge Gorge.

Re-enactment enthusiasts from across Shropshire and beyond pulled out all the stops to ensure the event was a success.

And organiser David Adams said the World War Two event was going from strength to strength.

Held on the south bank of the Severn, around the Boat Inn, the two-day event included re-enactment battle scenes and a spectacular fly-past overhead by a spitfire and a hurricane.

There were stalls selling World War Two memorabilia and re-enactment costumes and tableaux that included an air raid shelter, a military hospital and field encampments.

There were also a host of vehicles from the era to enjoy.

But it was the overall spectacle and atmosphere that drew the crowds and won acclaim from visitors.

Generous

Music from the war years echoed around the gorge throughout the day with singers performing the hits of yesteryear. At every turn there were people dressed in every unform or civvy dress imaginable.

There were infantry and artillery men, airmen, medics and nurses.

There were spivs touting black market goods, land girls, and ordinary families from the 1940s including children dressed as evacuees.

The Jackfield branch of the Royal British Legion said the village was an apt venue for a second world war enactment.

Stan Allett, branch chairman, said: "The Jackfield memorial bridge is our war memorial and is believed to be the only one of its kind anywhere. Each time someone crosses the bridge it is an act of remembrance.

"People have been very generous donating to the legion over the weekend. It is an outstanding event."

Mr Adams said the weekend was also helping to raise funds for the Pilgrim Bandits. The charity was established by a small group of Special Forces veterans in 2007 with the sole aim of using their unique training and experience to help and inspire wounded soldiers to live life to the full.

He said the event began as an idea chatting in the pub. "I am a re-enactor myself and also a regular at The Boat Inn," said Mr Adams. "I decided to try to resurrect an event that had not been held for many years. I contacted some friends within the re-enactment network and it grew from there."

"I am so grateful to The Boat Inn and the Maws Craft Centre for their help and also local residents for their patience and understanding over the weekend."

The Clark family, from Wellington, said the re-enactment weekend was great.

"It's a shame more people don't know that is it on," Julie Clark said.

"Not only is it entertaining, it makes you think about what people went through during the war."

Daughter Evie, 10, said she enjoyed playing with the toys in the toy exhibition, toys which included a snakes and ladders game based on the blitz.

Joanne Halstead and son, six-year-old George, also enjoyed the toys.

"When you think that these toys had to occupy the children during the blackout you realise how different the times were," Joanne said.

Lexy Rowson, nine, from Telford, said: "It's fab here, I like the clothes, they are very pretty."

A member of the Blists Hill open air museum, Mrs Halstead said: "We are having our own, Blitz Hill in June, I hope people who have enjoyed the Jackfield event will come to Blists Hill."

One Shrewsbury family who dressed for the occasion were Maurice and Barbara Kite, from Castlefields, daughter Sharon and her husband, Lawrence.

Sharon said: "I got involved in re-enactment about 14 years ago and got my parents involved. We are also involved in the Severn Valley Railway which has many re-enactment events.

"This is a really good event, we are enjoying ourselves."