THE Severn Valley Railway is set to welcome the stars of popular BBC sitcom 'Allo Allo!' at its Step Back to the 1940s extravaganza.

The popular attraction will be holding two weekends of 1940s fun, as it steps back 80 years to the British home front on June 29 and 30, and July 6 and 7.

This year for the first time ever, the event will see appearances by original actors from the BBC TV series, including Richard Gibson, Kim Hartman, Guy Siner, Arthur Bostrom, John D. Collins and Nicholas Frankau. 

Kidderminster Shuttle: Arley Station at Step Back to the 1940s eventsArley Station at Step Back to the 1940s events (Image: SVR)

Volunteer organiser Dave Brattan said: "We’re very excited about our VIP guests, who are all original actors from ‘Allo Allo!'

"During the first weekend, we’ll be welcoming Herr Flick, Helga and Lieutenant Gruber to The Engine House at Highley for a meet and greet with visitors, and on the second weekend, PC Crabtree, Flying Officer Fairfax and Flying Officer Carstairs will be ‘on duty’ to ensure everyone has a great time".

Kidderminster Shuttle: 1940s tea for two at the railway1940s tea for two at the railway (Image: SVR)

Along the line, passengers will have the chance to be part of the congregation at a 1940s wedding, bargain with black-market traders at a vintage marketplace, learn to jive at a dance class and listen to a rousing speech from Winston Churchill.

There’ll be entertainment by singers recreating the glamour of the 1940s era, and authentic set-ups of period shops, homes, allotments and air raid shelters at various locations.

On June 30 and July 7, there’ll be a flypast from the Lancaster Bomber of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, subject to operational and weather conditions.

Kidderminster Shuttle: The recreated 1940s house at Kidderminster stationThe recreated 1940s house at Kidderminster station (Image: SVR)

Fellow organiser Paul Bowler added: "Keep tight hold of the ID card you’ll be issued with on arrival as the Military Police with be checking you’re not travelling illegally. And watch out for the Spivs who’ll be trying to sell you all manner of illicit goods on the trains.

"If music and dance appeal to you, make sure you secure tickets for our Big Band evenings, on both Saturdays.

"These take place at Kidderminster station, where the 20-piece Kalamazoo Dance Band and special guests will guarantee a party on the platform, with classics from 1940s icons such as Glenn Miller and the Andrews Sisters".

Tickets for the event are available via the Severn Valley Railway website.