THE NORTH York Moors Railway (NYMR) is launching a new event at its annual Railway in Wartime weekend later this year.

The NYMR will put on "a celebration of Victory in Europe" at Levisham station which will include 1940s show bands, music acts, dancing troupes, a British pub and more.

In past years, Levisham Station has been transformed into the German-occupied French village of “Le Visham”, which “portrayed the war from a German perspective in an educational and informative manner”.

However, this was discontinued by the NYMR earlier this year for 'fear of causing offence' - as it partly involved historical re-enactors dressing in German uniform.

Their decision caused controversy, with some re-enactors vowing to boycott the weekend in protest.

The Railway in Wartime event, part of Pickering's wider 'wartime weekend' will take place from Friday October 12 to Sunday October 14.

John Bailey, trust chairman at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, said: “Railway in Wartime is great for families and this year we’re very excited to launch our brand new event at Levisham: Victory in Europe.

"We host up to 350,000 passengers every year and the only way we can continue to do this is with the help and support of our amazing visitors."

More details in Wednesday's Gazette & Herald.