IT is the same spirit that saw Britain through two world wars.

When organisers of the Swanage Armed Forces Weekend issued an urgent plea for people to come forward with military vehicles, they could never have imagined the response.

But the Dunkirk Spirit has shone through and now veterans unable to march on foot will be able to join the parade thanks to selfless volunteers who have answered the call.

Organiser Steve Churchill said: “The appeal was absolutely fantastic. The amount of response we have had has been great.

“We have got Daimler Dingoes, Willy Jeeps, GMCs, and others that I’ve not even heard of.”

The help normally comes from the Restored Military Vehicle Group, but this year most of the vehicles will be in France for the 65th anniversary of the D-Day landings, which takes place a week after the Swanage parade.

That meant there was a lack of transport for the event next weekend, leaving many veterans fearing that they could not take part.

But now the weekend – and, importantly, the parade on Sunday – can go ahead.

As well as coinciding with the 65th anniversary of D-Day, this year’s Swanage event also marks 25 years of Blandford-based 11 Signals, Royal Corps of Signals’ link with the seaside town.

Over the past quarter of a century soldiers have done much work in the community, particularly in helping to restore Swanage Railway.

The weekend will also see more ex-servicemen and women presented with their Armed Forces Veterans’ Badges.

Other attractions include a sandcastle contest, cadets standard bearers’ competition, field kitchen demonstration, military vehicle display and stalls.

Steve added: “Last year was our first event and we learnt a lot of lessons from it. I think this year it’s bigger and better.”

For full details of timings, visit swanageveterans.org.uk or call 01929 427261.