RAIL passengers have got used to their trains being held up -- but not by a battalion of German paratroopers.

Mums, dads and children sat frozen in their seats at the weekend when dozens of Germans invaded their carriage on the East Lancashire Railway near Bury.

They should have been frightened for their lives, but thankfully they knew it was only a Second World War re-enactment organised by volunteers who run the historic East Lancs Railway.

Volunteer Arthur Bayfield said: "The Germans were throwing dummy hand-grenades and bombs were going off all over the place.

"But the passengers weren't scared at all. They really enjoyed themselves."

Steam enthusiasts hold a "wartime weekend" on the railway every year when they invite historical societies from across the country to attend.

The first event was four years ago and included a handful of people dressed in uniforms plus a few jeeps and tanks. However, enthusiasm for it has grown so much that this year's gathering, which was planned by volunteer Neil Parkington and a small army of helpers, featured a full-scale battle at Ramsbottom -- as well as the German train attack.

There was also a memorial flight by Spitfire and Hurricane fighters and a convoy of military vehicles. Mr Bayfield said: "We even had a George Formby impersonator as well as a military arms fair.

"We also had a 'Blitz Ball' in Bury, which included a medley of big band hits from the 1940s and a parade of veterans from the Second World War.

"It's been a fantastic weekend -- but I can tell you now that it' going to be even bigger and better next year."