World War Two walkers out in force in Ironbridge Gorge
Families out for Easter may have thought they had stepped back in time as soldiers from the Second World War strolled by in a Shropshire village.
But a second look would reveal an unlikely assortment of characters to have been together in rural Shropshire at the time as King's Shropshire Light Infantry soldiers rubbed shoulders with French resistance members and US Army Rangers on the streets of Coalport, near Ironbridge.
The group were out and about on a 1940s themed sponsored walk to promote the forthcoming Ironbridge Gorge World War Two Weekend.
David Adams, chairman of the organising committee for the event, said: "We had a couple of American airborne soldiers, I was a British airborne soldier, we had a couple of Land Army ladies, a couple from the Free French Resistance, a KSLI guy, and a couple walking in civvies.
"We were walking for two reasons, one was to promote our main event, the World War Two weekend on May 27 and 28, the other to raise funds for Pilgrim Bandits.
"We stopped off at a number of pubs along the way to collect money and hand out Pilgrim Bandits wrist bands, and we raised about £90 on the day.
He said though it was still a sight to behold, residents were now almost used to seeing people vintage dress around in the area – though it is, of course, more commonly known for its industrial revolution heritage.
He said: "I think because we do promotion quite heavily in the area people are not surprised to people in 1940s clothes out and about.
"The majority of people we spoke to already knew that the event was happening, which from our point of view is very good.
"But the walk was also to help make the connection between the World War Two weekend and this wonderful charity.
"While it's a fun event and educational and entertaining, the is a reason behind it which is raising money for Pilgrim Bandits."
He said during May there will be more activity handing out leaflets in the towns around the area, and on May 13 there will a 1940s themed Wellington market with stallholders getting in the spirit.
Pilgrim Bandits is a forces charity established by Special Forces veterans aiming of using their unique training and experience to help and inspire wounded soldiers to live life to the full and inspire and encourage young people and children.
