A FORMER prisoner of war camp will turn the clocks back to recreate the 1940s with a military show and midsummer dance.

The event, to be held at Harperley POW Camp in Weardale next month, is thought to be the first of its kind in the region.

Camp 93 was built in 1943 to house Italian and German prisoners and is being restored by owners James and Lisa McLeod to be reopened as a museum.

To help cover the costs of reconstructing the 49 huts, Mr and Mrs McLeod and the Northern Areas Military Vehicles Trust have teamed up to organise the two-day spectacle on Saturday and Sunday, June 7 and 8.

Vintage military vehicles, including an M18 Hellcat, which served in North West Europe, Yugoslavia and Bosnia from 1943 to 1991, armour and uniforms will be on display.

There will also be classic cars, tractors, arena events, history groups, stalls, a family funfair and wartime expert Dr Anthony Helen will give a talk at 2pm, on Saturday.

In the evening, a marque will host a dance, giving ladies a chance to slip on white gloves and fur shawls and gents can wear civilian clothes or service uniforms. The Clive Collins Band will provide the music and there will be a World War II searchlight display. Authentic costume is optional but there will be a prize for the best outfit.

Mr McLeod said: "It will help us continue to work on the camp and show people what is here. The whole show and dance should have a special atmosphere in this setting."

Dance tickets, priced £10 including supper, are available on 07801583680 or 07734419196.

* A planning application for a garden centre, tea rooms, farm shop, car park and change of use of the huts from agriculture storage to a museum is being considered by Wear Valley District Council.