IT is almost 40 years since the first episode was broadcast.But in testament to its enduring popularity around 2,000 people turned out to see stars from Dad's Army at a popular tourist attraction yesterday .

IT is almost 40 years since the first episode was broadcast.

But in testament to its enduring popularity around 2,000 people turned out to see stars from Dad's Army at a popular tourist attraction yesterday .

Cast members and writers from the hit comedy series, along with stars from It Ain't Half Hot Mum, signed autographs and chatted with fans at Bressingham Steam Museum and Gardens annual Dad's Army Day.

As the sun shone down the stars arrived in a red double decker bus. Cast members from Dad's Army included Pamela Cundell, who played Mrs Fox, Bill Pertwee, who played Warden Hodges, Frank Williams, who played the vicar, and Ian Lavender, who played Private Pike. The show's creator Jimmy Perry and director Harold Snoad were also on hand to meet the large crowd who had come to see them.

Mr Perry said: “Thank you very much everyone. It is nice to see you all. We are blessed today by this wonderful weather. I hope you have a wonderful day.”

Mr Snoad told the crowd: “They are a fantastic cast. It was a wonderful show and it was great to be part of it.”

People in 1940s dress helped give the event a war-time atmosphere and there were stalls selling Dad's Army books, videos and other memorabilia.

Bressingham, which is home to the national Dad's Army collection, has vehicles that were used by the BBC in the series, the fire engine and the steam roller being the most widely remembered.

Ray King, events manager at Bressingham, said: “The weather has been absolutely ideal. We must be heading towards having 2,000 people here. It is great that we still have these stars and they enjoy coming year after year. For them, I think, it is an opportunity to get together. We are very pleased that they are still coming and supporting us.”