A SPITFIRE on static display and a flypast from a Dakota ZA947 aircraft are among the highlights of this year's Haworth 1940s Weekend.

Organisers are promising a "very special" three-day event because this year marks the 20th anniversary of the 1940s Weekend, the 130th anniversary of the Soldiers, Sailors & Airmen's Families Association (SSAFA) and the 70th anniversary of VE DAY.

The event, which runs from Friday until Sunday, has also received the backing of Forces sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn and will again raise cash for the SSAFA military charity.

Event advisor, Andy Kissack, said: "We have the support and blessing of Second World War Forces sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn.

"We've produced a 1940s style picture that captures her and some iconic images of the white cliffs of Dover intertwined with Spitfires and St Paul's Cathedral.

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"Dame Vera has kindly signed 70 numbered prints which are available from Firths Boutique in Main Street for £200. Additionally, the same picture is available unsigned for £20, and all proceeds go to SSAFA."

A Station X exhibition will return at this year's weekend, featuring an Enigma machine replica as used by Kate Winslet in the film Enigma and by Keira Knightley in The Imitation Game. This exhibition takes place in West Lane Methodist Chapel.

The weekend will include a visit from the Wetherby-based Second World War Experience, a Burma Campaign display at West Lane Methodist Church, and a Spitfire on display in Bronte Parsonage Car Park.

The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, which runs through Bronte country, will also be serving afternoon teas on all three days of the event at Oxenhope onboard an elegant 1930s Pullman car.

The Exhibition Shed will be decked out in celebration of Victory in Europe and music of the time will be played as a background to taking afternoon tea in style.

Meanwhile, a NAAFI Café at West Lane Methodist Grimshaw Centre will offer wartime meals such as corn-beef hash, meat-and-potato pie, soup and home-made cakes.

Depending on the weather, there will be a flypast by a Dakota ZA947 aircraft at 12.30pm on Sunday.

Military and other vintage vehicles will be on show in Main Street, and Haworth Park will host music, merchandise stalls, food, re-enactment groups and a Victory Marquee Beer Tent.

Vintage buses will provide a service from Haworth Railway Station to the top of the village.

Visitors are invited to buy a Picture Post magazine during the event, which will contain a map and details of all the weekend's attractions.