HUNDREDS of visitors turned out in force to commemorate the Second World War.

Over 650 people visited the Talacre community centre displays and outdoor exhibits and despite the rain, the weekend was still a great success.

Indoors, visitors were wowed by the CGI film of the Spitfires and the virtual reality experience of being in an aircraft cockpit taking part in the bombing of Berlin.

Professor Llusern and family were on hand to add to the atmosphere with war-time songs, later joined by Miriam, an ENSA re-enactor, with her accordion.

Chair of Flintshire County Council, Councillor Marion Bateman, said: "Special thanks to the RAF cadets, who volunteered throughout the weekend to help the event go smoothly.

"Thanks also to the local volunteers and the team from Talacre Community Centre who have been so supportive throughout the project.

"I’d also like to acknowledge the local businesses who have supported the project, providing refreshments for volunteers, hosting events or funding publicity and to ENI UK Liverpool Bay, whose support has been invaluable."

Pride of place outdoors was the replica Spitfire and visitors enjoyed the powerful sound of the Merlin Meteor engine that was fired up at regular intervals.

A good number of people braved the weather to visit the archaeological dig taking place around the site of some of the chalets. The numerous artefacts found, including pieces of crockery and cases from spent bullets, were displayed in the Community Centre on Sunday.

Flintshire County Councils Deputy Leader, Councillor Carolyn Thomas, got into the spirit of things, posing by the Spitfire in an RAF flying jacket.

She added: "It was great watching the amazing film footage and talking to the re-enactors and everyone involved with the displays as they were so knowledgeable."

Handling the ‘home-front’ artefacts such as gas masks and an ARP warning rattle was popular and children enjoyed dressing up in period clothes.

Both young and old had a go at rag-rugging with several older ladies showing the techniques they had learned as youngsters.

Mrs Gouldsmith from Leek, Staffordshire, was staying in a nearby caravan and brought her family. She said: "It’s all been really interesting. We’ve stayed almost all day and have been to everything.

"There was something for us all. My 5-year-old granddaughter loved dressing up and rag-rugging while the virtual reality was our teenager’s favourite."

Dorothy Norman, 82, who remembers the war herself, loved the event. She said: "I was thrilled to stand alongside a Spitfire and I enjoyed reading all the displays in the centre."

The event was part of the Tlacre Then and Now project, run by Flintshire Countryside Service and funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund, Outdoor Learning Wales and Cadwyn Clwyd.