THE Mid Hants Railway Watercress Line proved the perfect place to liven up a wet, grey Christmas with a colourful Second World War event recreating the festive atmosphere of military personnel returning home for a spell of Christmas leave.

Anna Wilson-Barnes, the vintage railway’s marketing manager, said: “We enjoyed the company of more than 300 re-enactors to help create the event, and many of our visitors chose to come in period dress to add to the wonderful wartime atmosphere.

“After the excesses of Christmas Day people like to get out for some fresh air, especially if they have house guests, and so it’s always a busy event at the railway and one of the staples of our annual calendar.”