WAR is going to break out in Maiden Newton... and the villagers cannot wait.

A re-enactment is planned for next June with participants coming from as far afield as Holland, and organisers are keen to attract volunteers to help out.

The event is being organised by village residents and sponsored by St Mary's Church to encourage the community spirit of days gone by.

Visitors will be able to enjoy a varied and entertaining 1940s-style wartime weekend of activities to recreate and remember those years.

Attractions will include dances, street parties, plays, displays, exhibitions, stalls, vehicles, re-enactment groups and bands.

Maiden Newton at War committee member Andy Elliott said: "We've got re-enactors from Holland and a lot of good stuff planned. It's likely we're going to bring in a steam train and all sorts that have got to be confirmed.

"We've definitely got two 1940s dances planned for the Friday and Saturday night (June 21-22, 2008). We've got a swing band booked and battles confirmed."

He said they will be holding fundraisers leading up to the event including cream teas, exhibitions of 1940s art and are considering 1940s dancing lessons after they realised none of them knew the moves.

Mr Elliott said: "We're trying to cover as many things as we can but there's a limit to what us few people can do.

"We've got about a dozen attending the meetings but we'd like to welcome more people to get involved and any organisation actively assisting the event will benefit from a share of any profits made."

Schoolchildren studying the war years under the national curriculum are already taking part. As well as lessons, visits and activities they will take part in a street party during the event.

The organisers are keen to encourage former residents of the Maiden Newton area to get in touch and share their stories and memories.

They are also hoping to make a collection of wartime artefacts for display, including any items connected with the home front, household or military, especially those with a local connection.

Anyone who would like to get involved can call 01300 321248 or email andy.elliott@ic24.net