Visitors’ eyes turned skywards as a magnificent World War II Dakota aircraft flew over a tourist attraction as part of a 1940s-themed weekend.

Nostalgia was in the air as thousands of people, many dressed in period costume, visited the Ponderosa 1940s Extravaganza in Heckmondwike.

A German Panzer tank, provided by the Military Vehicle Trust, and 25lb cannons were involved in a wartime battle re-enactment at the farm in Smithies Lane.

The festivities also included stalls, games and a 1940s themed big band dance.

Debbie Burton, one of the event organisers, said between 5,000 and 6,000 people visited over the weekend.

“This is the third year we have done this and it has been bigger than ever,” she said. “Everybody loved the Dakota, it just added to the atmosphere. The pilot waved out of the window and everybody waved back.”

In Birkenshaw, about 10,000 people flocked to West Yorkshire Fire Service’s Gala at its Bradford Road headquarters to see hundreds of different attractions at the major event.

Representatives from the fire service, the police and ambulance service gave demonstrations throughout the day of the life-saving work they carry out.

Retired fire officer Brian Hughes, who organises the annual event, said a demonstration of how the police deal with riots and a dog handlers’ exhibition proved “incredibly popular”.

The police force helicopter and underwater search units also paid a visit and the fire service demonstrated rope and car crash rescues. Entertainment included majorettes, dancers and local bands.

Mr Hughes, who has been organising the event for six years, said: “It was a brilliant day and we estimate that there was about 10,000 people. ”

Meanwhile, About 2,000 people were at the Baildon Carnival opened by MP Philip Davies and carnival queen Amy Barry.