From ration books to raids, the wartime spirit lives on at Black Country Museum

Thousands made their way to the attraction in Dudley in a variety of costumes from the Second World War including military uniforms, trilby hats and overalls and headscarves.

Families braved the stormy weather to enjoy a feast of entertainment at the event, which is now in its fourth year.

There were air raid sirens, search lights and military checkpoints as well as the chance to buy memorabilia and enjoy musical entertainment.

Museum spokeswoman Laura Wakelin said: "The weekend has been absolutely even despite the stormy weather - they really showed the Blitz spirit.

"This has been our busiest 1940s event to date and everyone seemed to be really enjoying themselves."

For the first time there was music on two stages, with the well-known group D-Day Darlings among acts taking to the stage.

Air raid sirens sounded throughout the weekend and there was also a variety of military vehicles on show.

"Around 75 per cent of the people who came this weekend where dressed in 1940s get-up and sometimes it was hard to tell exactly who was a re-enactor and who was a visitor," said Mrs Wakelin.

"The 1940s scene has grown bigger and bigger in recent years. We plan to make the event bigger and better next year."

Next week the museum will kick off its commemorative First World War summer season, which will include new events and actors whose characters are based of people who lived throughout conflict.

During the summer, there will be a family discovery trail taking vistiors around the museum village to learn about topics such as food shortages, munitions, war babies and mining life.

They can also discover more about postcards home from the front and have a go at creating their own vintage style postcard on a hand printing machine.

Each day, a soldier will parade with visitors as part of the drill activity through the canalside village.