A TOWN will be travelling back to the 1940s to celebrate a group who guarded the river Thames during WWII.

Next month, Abingdon Lock will be transformed for the one-day event, which will also unveil a permanent memorial to the Upper Thames Patrol, the River Home Guard, who were prepared to guard and protect the waterway from Lechlade down to Teddington.

At its height the UPT has 6,000 members, mainly Thames water-men but also civilians and were the first unit to recruit women.

There will be re-enactors, wartime food, and historical talks during the event, which is on April 8, from 10am-4pm.

Visit thamesatwar.co.uk to find out more.