STANDING to attention in the pouring rain tonight were the Oxfordshire Home Guard Living History Group to celebrate the cinematic release of 'Dad's Army'.

Members stood side by side in two, as Platoon Commander, Brian Tegg, marched between the ranks making sure everyone fell in line.

Onlookers were delighted with the parade and said it was "wonderful" to see history being "brought to life."

Gill Nellis, from Bicester, said: "It is absolutely brilliant, I really enjoyed watching it.

"We need to see more things like this, which bring history to life.

"They have done something different and in doing so brought our heritage to life."

Friend of Ms Nellis, Sue Anderton, said after watching the parade, she couldn't wait to see the film.

She said: "I've already booked tickets for next week.

"It really is brilliant to watch."

The 35-strong group, are based in Bicester, and are starting to become local celebrities after they appeared on BBC's 'The One Show' to celebrate the release of the new 'Dad's Army' film, starring Toby Jones, Bill Nighy and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Elinor Singleton, from Fringford, was with her Mum, Jane, proudly watching her Dad, Chris, take part in the action.

The 33-year-old said: "It's great to see him, he absolutely loves being in the group.

"He is always practicing the drills at home and I think it is really important that we remember that these men in the 1940s were ready to fight for their country should the enemy have landed on our shores."

Around 20 members of the group took part in a number of different drills under the cover of the Vue Cinema in Bicester, before heading inside to see the film.

Pinder Parkes, also a member of the group as part of the Women's Auxiliary, said it was important we remember the dedication of the Home Guard during the Second World War.

The 53-year-old retired police officer, said: "I think it is vitally important because there is still a lot going on in the world and we want to remind people of what was happening in the 1940s.

""We had a lot of young boys and men going to war but we needed some one to protect the country at home.

"Part of this parade today is showing people that this is not just history and these men were vital in the war effort."

The group was started three years ago by Marsh Gibbon resident, Andy Hunter.

As he was entering the cinema, the 54-year-old, said: "Although we have a laugh and we love Dad's Army, we want to stress that it is so much more than the TV show or the film.

"Young boys were also part of the home guard who then grew up and went to serve in units in the Second World War.

"There are accounts of the Home Guard having a great time and a good laugh, but people have to remember they really believed in the enemy coming to our shores and were prepared to do their best to protect their country.

"How long they would have lasted I do not know, but there is a real serious side to their war efforts which should also be respected and celebrated."

'Dad's Army' was released in cinemas on Friday 5.