Rail passengers took a nostalgic trip on the Mid-Hants Railway's fourth annual "War on the Line" event at the weekend.

Hundreds of "civilians" rubbed shoulders with volunteer railway staff dressed as British troops, American GIs and police personnel as the Alton to Alresford railway turned the clock back to the latter stages of World War II.

It looked like a film, but it was one everyone could appear in. No longer 2003, Hampshire became 1944, two weeks after D-Day.

Passengers paid £10 for a "freedom of the line" ticket, which entitled them to experience a range of wartime activities at any one of the line's four stations.

There was everything from troop parades, a souvenir market, refreshment wagons with genuine "doorstep" sandwiches, to military and civilian vehicles from the 'Forties.

Chairman of the Mid-Hants Watercress Line, David Snow (57), dressed as a spiv for the occasion, said the weekend was a resounding success with the first day attracting bigger crowds than last year.

A highlight of the weekend was a flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight on Saturday.

He said somewhere in the region of 2,000 had enjoyed taking the trip back in time.

"It was a really colourful and highly enjoyable weekend. It's always light-hearted, too. We make it quite clear there are no guns around. We don't chase people round with bayonets or anything!"

That said, a tight rein was kept on discipline. Passengers were obliged to make sure they held on to their personal papers. Civilians failing to provide ID to police, particularly young ladies, were whisked away to the guard's van to be reprimanded.

Those setting off from Alresford were greeted by high-spirited American GIs waiting for the impending invasion in Europe.

Outside the station was a vintage turntable fire engine with an extendable ladder that had been based in Soho during the Blitz.

Visitors also caught a glimpse of a lookalike wartime Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, accompanied on his inspection of paratroopers by Field Marshal Montgomery. Monty was later to make his home at Isington Mill, near Alton.

At Ropley, the re-enacted army had set up base and, along with a working field kitchen, there was a selection of military vehicles. At Medstead and Four Marks Station, anyone with sea legs was encouraged to enlist at the Royal Naval Recruitment office. If the prospect made them peckish, they could take a tour around an authentic Naafi wagon.

For anyone tired of train travel, a vintage 29-seater bus, on loan from Valley Rambler, Swanmore, was on hand to take passengers from the station to Alton where there was a last chance to sign up at the Army Recruitment Centre.

The true nature of war was also clearly visible as German PoWs were led along the platform.

Mr Snow said he was encouraged by the response to the weekend. "One of the possibilities we will look at is to start it on Friday next year so that school groups can come along."