A NORTH Oxfordshire village will be getting a military makeover tomorrow as locals prepare to wake up in the 1940s.

The Oxfordshire Home Guard re-enactors will be calling in the cavalry to transform the village of Launton, near Bicester, to fundraise for a new parish hall.

They will help decorate the village in a sea of camouflage, military vehicles and Home Guard and WW2 memorabilia to raise funds for a £250,000 hall renovation.

Platoon commander Brian Tegg said: "What we are trying to do is raise funds for the refurbishment of the parish hall and with that putting on Home Guard demonstrations.

"There will be displays and games to be played and we are hoping people will come along and donate their money.

"There will also be a raffle to win prizes that were rare, scarce, rationed and black-marketed in those days - the things we now take for granted."

The event will start at 10am and run throughout the day for locals to wind back the clock and enjoy a taste of history.

All funds will go towards the hall refurb which hopes to update the 1920s building and bring it into the 21st century.

Villager formed a fundraising committee and are now looking at ideas including expanding the hall, adding a second room and updated toilets and kitchen facilities.

The group, inspired by a successful £240,000 makeover of Fringford Village Hall last year, are hoping to get most of their £250,000 from national grant-giving bodies.

But money raised at events like tomorrow's 1940s bonanza is a good start, and could help their case when they apply for serious cash.

The cause has already seen a £1,100 donation from the Launton Village Players amateur dramatics group.

Coordinator Wendy Foster said: "The building is still very good condition and only needs improvements but we want to bring it up to the 21st century.

"We are thinking of extending it because it is in such demand - we have all sorts of community groups including the Launton Players, dog training classes, community cafe and zumba class."

Looking forward to the weekend she said: "There will be about 30 members of the Oxfordshire Home Guard Launton Platoon taking over Launton Parish Hall to raise money for the project.

"They are great – full of humour, but they also have a serious side with the Home Guards having a significant history attached to Launton.

"Obviously the profile of the Home Guard has been raised this year with the realise of the Dad's Army film but kids love it and it is something a bit sentimental for the older people as well to think back."