Onlookers watched as Philip Benham, chief executive of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR), handed “control” of the station to “Colonel” Ivon Baker, a local re-enactor, for the railway’s Wartime Weekend.

Also in the audience were “evacuees” from Pickering Infants School and St Joseph’s RC Primary School wearing period clothes and carrying homemade gas masks.

Thousands of people are expected to flood into Pickering and stations along the heritage line over the next two days where they will mingle with World War II re-enactors, inspect military vehicles and enjoy 1940s-style entertainment.

Now celebrating its 17th year, the NYMR’s Wartime Weekend has steadily grown to become a huge tourist attraction and a major shot-in-the-arm for local businesses.

And early indications are this year will be the best-attended yet.

“I think it is the busiest Friday so far,” said Phil Bustard, the railway’s marketing manager. “All year we have seen a noticeable increase in visitors and if we carry on as we have, we will set a new record.”

Today’s highlight will be a parade of veterans, re-enactors and vehicles, both civilian and military.

l Don’t miss Monday’s Evening News for a picture special, plus extensive coverage in Tuesday’s Whitby Gazette and next week’s Malton & Pickering Mercury.

See any of those papers for details of how to order a superb DVD, and look out on our website for video coverage.