Organisers of a World War Two-themed weekend have banned participants from wearing swastikas, Nazi uniforms and dressing up as Hitler.

Visitors to the Severn Valley Railway event, run on 16 miles of railways through Worcestershire and Shropshire this weekend and last, were told to wear non-offensive clothing.

Promotional flyers said: “The wartime period does have difficult memories for many who were closely involved. We therefore ask you that you give some thought to the costume that you choose.

“Appearing as Hitler or the wearing of black Gestapo or SS uniforms is not permitted at this event, nor is the wearing of red swastika armbands.”

The weekends, attended by around 10,000 people, are described as “a nostalgic look at Britain during World War Two with period vehicles, costumes and re-enactments”.

In May, organisers of the East Lancashire Light Railway’s annual weekend were forced to apologise after participants breached its dress code and sported swastikas.

A number of heritage railways have moved to ban the wearing of such items in recent years and encouraged enthusiasts to stick to Allied clothing.