WARTIME spirit kicked in as event organisers defied all the on-the-day obstacles lobbed their way to make the Barry Wartime Weekend a resounding success.

Weather conditions meant the Red Arrows were unable to take part in the Wartime Weekend Barry Island event, organised by director of Barry Tourist railway, John Buxton and supported by the Barry at War volunteers.

A train malfunction hindered transportation to back in 1940s time and prior to the weekend the booked Avro Lancaster aeroplane had been sidelined by a fire.

But the show carried on, visitors in their thousands of, discovered more about Barry, particularly the docks, the railway and the key role Barry played in the two World Wars.

Re-enactors patrolled the area, in military uniforms and dress and there were also military and fashion displays, plus vintage stalls giving the train station an authentic 1940’s atmosphere.

Barry at War chairman, Glenn Booker said he would like to thank all those involved including Barry Town Council and traders Marco Zeraschi, Craig O'Shea, Henry Danter, John’s Café, Bay 5 and the Barry Tourist Railway cafe.

He also thanked the supportive presence of Vale AM Jayne Hutt and Vale MP Alun Cairns, the re-enactors and military vehicles owners.

He singled out Arthur Cook for a very important person mention for keeping calm in his role as Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

Glenn said: “Thanks to a 1940's police escort he moved freely and safely among the public all day Saturday. At least four Second World War veterans, including Eileen Younghusband, were present on Saturday sharing their wartime experiences with young and old."

Entertainers, Sandy Sparkle and Ricky Hunter boosted morale with their songs and the South Wales Armoured Group, with the tank models, delighted children of all ages.

Gail Harris provided craft stalls and the Barry Island Railway station NAAFI fed the troops.

Thanks also went to the local RAFA and the Royal British Legion Riders, Rosemary Chaloner and her living models for two Sunday afternoon Fashion Shows.

Glenn also praised John Buxton of Barry Tourist Railway without whom there would not have been an event.

Glenn said: “All his staff braced themselves to their duties in the face of an fortunate train malfunction and continued on to the end. They did not surrender.”

Paul Tracy and Barry at War Group members, several in uniform, staffed the Barry War Museum which was inundated with hoards of appreciative and inquisitive visitors who raised a considerable amount of money for the museum through the sale of merchandise.

He added: “Thanks also to the good humoured local police and stewards who joined in the good natured spirit of the event and of course to the great British public for turning up, knuckling down and joining in to make Wartime Weekend so very worthwhile.”