Rival Yanks a roaring 40s success..

Yanks returned in force to Dobcross at the weekend when the village celebrated its part in the movie partly shot there

THE Yanks returned in force to Dobcross at the weekend.

The Saddleworth village was at the centre of the filming for Richard Gere’s movie Yanks back in 1979, so the quiet village held its own celebrations to rival the main Uppermill event.

Villagers staged their own wartime event with dancing in the street and concerts.

Dobcross Village Community’s executive committee and Dobcross Band produced a star-spangled package spread over four days.

The organisers’ Marilyn McNeill said: “The weekend has been tremendous. Scores of locals, families and their children, have enjoyed a spectacular time.”

The entertainment marathon began with a 40s fashion show and a wartime quiz — with Spam sandwiches.

This was followed by a packed 40s music night featuring world whistling champion Dave Morris.

On Saturday, guests at a 40s-style cafe were served traditional cakes and drinks of the period to support the Dobcross Elderberries.

Sharron Pollitt from Grasscroft jogged memories with a fascinating collection of wartime memorabilia

Military vehicles converged on the square and crowds clapped and cheered colourful reenactments from the film.

The event ended with a party for all the villagers and school children at the band club.

Oldham Councillor John McCann, who lives in Dobcross, said: “Dobcross really claimed the high ground over the Yanks Weekend. It was a fabulous, heart-warming example of a community pulling together.”