Following on from last year's dramatic scenes at the annual event which included shootouts and large explosions, organisers have stepped up the attractions on show with parents handed the opportunity to fall their children in for a bout of infantry drill and training.

As always there will be the battle to liberate the station, the opportunity to practice with the mangle, weaponry demonstrations and wartime fashion shows while educational events and steam train rides will also be on offer.

Entertainment will take place throughout the day as re-enactors mingle with visitors, checking passes, fighting battles and demonstrating equipment while music will be provided by Paul Harper.

Show organiser Paul Bavill said: "This is the fourth year of the Elsecar Wartime Weekend and it gets better every year. We have one of the best battles in the north of England, a hidden gem of a setting and attractions both indoors and outdoors. It really is an explosive day out for the whole family to enjoy."

On Saturday evening the Blitz Ball will be held featuring the Ockbrook Big Band playing the jazz and swing sounds of the war era with a pie and pea supper included in the ticket price of £12.

Tickets for each of the day events which begin at 11am cost £5 for adults and £2.50 for concessions while those arriving in 1940s costume will be entitled to entry at the concession rate.

For advance tickets call Elsecar Heritage Railway on (01226) 746746 and for event details see Foreign Field Events at www.foreign-field.co.uk