VILLAGERS in Broadmayne have been transported 70 years back in time as the community celebrates its previous existence as an embarkation camp for American troops prior to D-Day.

A weekend of celebrations was held to commemorate the role Broadmayne and the surrounding area played when it was the D5 camp for troops from the United States.

Re-enactors set up a military camp to recreate D5 and were joined by a host of military vehicles.

After an evening of entertainment at the New Inn in West Knighton last night, the re-enactors have been welcoming people into the camp today.

The village hall and neighbouring playing field is also hosting a 1940s village fete following an outdoor remembrance service.

The fete includes historical stalls, games, ferret racing, steam train rides, music from the likes of the Durnovaria Silver Band and much more.

Tonight there will be a 1940s dance event in the village hall.

Steve George from event organisers the Broadmayne World War Two Society said he was delighted with how many people of all ages had come out to celebrate the village’s history.

He said: “A couple of veterans have turned up who I wasn’t aware were coming because they have heard about it and embraced it.”

Re-enactors have come from all around the country to get involved with the event.

Ellen Hooper and Liz Lane travelled from Cornwall for the celebrations.

Liz said: “The village is stunning and where we are is historically right where they were.

“The villagers have been fantastic and we definitely want to come back.”

Tomorrow the re-enactors and military vehicles from the recreated D5 camp will be heading down to Weymouth to join the Veterans Day parade.

Mr George said: “There are more re-enactors than I thought were coming, people have just turn up.

“They had a great night at the New Inn at West Knighton last night and it’s going to carry on into the evening tonight.

“Most of the guys are going down to Weymouth and taking part in the parade.

“It will be the largest number of marching re-enactors they have ever had and the largest amount of vehicles.

“It’s the 70th anniversary of D-Day so it’s a big thing – it will be a sight to see.”

As part of the event local production company Bright Buttons has been shooting a documentary featuring re-enactors and they have organised a vintage cinema evening in the village hall tomorrow evening, with a screening of Will Hay’s classic film Oh Mr Porter!