North Norfolk Railway Tracks and Trenches event celebrates the role of the country’s steam trains in WW1

Tracks and Trenches event at the North Norfolk Railway Holt Station. Picture : ANTONY KELLY (Image: archant 2017)

Thousands turned out to the free event, which was officially opened with a Drumhead Remembrance Service held in collaboration with the Royal British Legion at Weybourne Station.

Tracks and Trenches event at the North Norfolk Railway Holt Station. Picture : ANTONY KELLY (Image: archant 2017)

As well as telling the tales of the men and women who kept the trains on the tracks while the railwaymen were away fighting during the Great War, the event explored the role of the railways in transporting troops, letters and supplies to the front lines, and bringing the wounded back home.

Tracks and Trenches event at the North Norfolk Railway Holt Station. Picture : ANTONY KELLY (Image: archant 2017)

Visitors also had a chance to find out about how women helped the war effort by working on the railways, nursing and policing the streets.

Tracks and Trenches event at the North Norfolk Railway Holt Station. Picture : ANTONY KELLY (Image: archant 2017)

Highlights included replica aircraft, exhibitions and re-enactments, as well as a narrow gauge trench rail in action at Holt station.

Tracks and Trenches event at the North Norfolk Railway Holt Station. Picture : ANTONY KELLY (Image: archant 2017)

Tracks and Trenches event at the North Norfolk Railway Holt Station. Picture : ANTONY KELLY (Image: archant 2017)

Tracks and Trenches event at the North Norfolk Railway Holt Station. Picture : ANTONY KELLY (Image: archant 2017)

Tracks and Trenches event at the North Norfolk Railway Holt Station. Picture : ANTONY KELLY (Image: archant 2017)

Tracks and Trenches event at the North Norfolk Railway Holt Station. Picture : ANTONY KELLY (Image: archant 2017)

Royal British Legion at the Tracks and Trenches event at Holt Station. Picture : ANTONY KELLY (Image: archant 2017)