Explosions, armoured vehicles, battle re-enactments and evacuee testimonies filled a Bushey World War Two heritage site for this year’s Forties Family Experience Weekend.

Crowds of more than 800 gathered at the Lincolnsfields Children’s Centre, in Bushey Hall Drive, on Saturday and Sunday to experience what life was like during the war.

The event, which took place from 10am-5pm on both days, exhibited battle-re-enactments, displayed armoured cars and weapons carriers and supplied cooking and dance lessons.

Between 200 and 250 re-enactors from around the country travelled to the centre, which is a charity that provides opportunities for children, young people and adults with or without special needs.

Phil Knight, a trustee and volunteer at the centre for eight years, said the battle scenes went really well, with close liaison with fire officials who have helped co-ordinate explosions on many film and TV sets, such as on Coronation Street.

The Hatfield Home Guard, Battle for Europe and the Russian Guards were just some of the re-enactment groups who performed on the day.

A unique heritage site itself, the centre is located on the former site of Bushey Hall - the wartime location of the United States of America Airforce 8th Fighter Command Headquarters.

The event, in its seventh year, normally takes about six months to plan, with this year being one of the well-attended.

Mr Knight said the Lincolnsfields Centre is "unique" by featuring testimonies and talks from people who actually lived through the war, including some evacuees.

The 53-year-old added: "You are actually talking to people who have been through it and that is what makes us unique.

"You can tell that people have a lot of respect when they are listening to somebody who’s gone through it. You can’t get better than that."

As well as there being a ‘Forties room’ with books and games for children to enjoy, there were also jive lessons in preparation for Saturday’s evening dance, which featured singer Fiona Harris.