More than 50 children are being 'evacuated' to Haworth this spring as part of a 1940s weekend.

But organisers have been swamped with youngsters wanting to take part in the evacuation re-enactment and don't have enough wartime clothes to dress them in.

They are appealing for donations of authentic-looking clothes and toys.

The 'evacuees' will arrive in Haworth by steam train, clutching suitcases and gas masks, and will be billeted to villagers.

It's all part of Haworth's wartime weekend in May.

Organised by Haworth Traders Association, the annual event was launched ten years ago to mark the 50th anniversary of VE Day. It attracts visitors from across the country.

"Each year we have a re-enactment of evacuees arriving in Haworth and usually about 20 youngsters take part, but this year we've got 52," said Traders chairman Jacqui Purlan. "There's been a lot more interest because of the 60th anniversary of VE Day, children have been learning about the war at school and are keen to participate.

"Unfortunately we don't have enough outfits for them all. We need cotton summer dresses, hand-knitted cardigans, short boys' trousers, tank tops, school shirts, old fashioned school uniforms, caps, bonnets, old brown suitcases, teddy bears and rag dolls. They don't have to be the genuine article, they just need to look authentic."

The volunteers, aged four to 11, arrive in Haworth at 12 noon and will travel in a bus loaned by Keighley Vintage Bus Museum through awaiting crowds up Main Street, which will be decorated as if it's VE Day with bunting and flags in shop windows and traders dressed in wartime outfits.

"The children will be dropped off at homes along the street," said Jacqui. "In past years they've had a wonderful time pretending to be homesick and crying for their mothers! After their arrival there'll be a street party with wartime food like jam tarts and Spam."

Main Street will be filled with wartime vehicles and the 'Home Guard' is setting up a station.

"Some villagers remember taking in evacuees for real," said Jacqui. "Last year a man came who was evacuated here as a child and he found the house he stayed in."

Other attractions include a 1940s fashion show and villagers dressed as air raid wardens and GIs. A wartime edition of the Haworth Gazette will be published and there'll be an RAF flypast with a wartime plane.

"Many visitors come in 1940s costume and turn up at guest houses with old battered suitcases, it's a great boost for the village," said Jacqui. "Everyone is encouraged to dress in costume. The highlight is the 1940s Dance, with a live big band."

l The 1940s weekend is on May 7 and 8. The evacuee day is Sunday May 8. Anyone wishing to donate clothes and toys contact Jacqui Purlan on (01535) 646600. Tickets for the 1940s dance are on (01535) 643214.