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

The event, to be held at Harperley PoW Camp, in Weardale, County Durham, 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 the owners, James and Lisa McLeod, to be reopened as a wartime museum.

To help cover the costs of reconstructing the 49 huts, the McLeods have teamed up with the Northern Areas Military Vehicles Trust to organise the two-day event for the weekend of June 7 and 8.

Vintage military vehicles, including off-roaders and an M18 Hellcat, armour and uniforms will be on display.

There will be classic cars, tractors, arena events, history groups, stalls, a funfair and a talk by wartime expert Dr Anthony Helen, on the Saturday.

On Saturday night a marquee will host a dance, giving women a chance to wear white gloves and fur shawls, while men can wear civilian clothes or uniforms.

The Clive Collins Band will provide music and there will be a Second World War searchlight display. Authentic costume is optional, but there is 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 and including supper, are available on 0780 1583680 or 0773 4419196.

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