Curious crowds flock to 'ghost' village during rare open week

TAKE a look inside the 'ghost' village that was abandoned 82 years ago to help aid the fight against the Nazis.

- ISOBEL WILLIAMS

Imber in Wiltshire was deserted in 1943 when all residents were forced out of their homes so that it could be turned into a military training area for troops.

Some 150 residents were given 47 days' notice to evacuate under the promise that they would be able to return following the Second World War.

However, more than 80 years later, the village is still occupied by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) with the public only allowed in for 12 days each year. This includes Easter, a summer day, a carolling festival just before Christmas, and this week - where roads will be open until 8am on January 2.

Many of the original cottages have been destroyed by time, but the original structures of the Grade I-listed St Giles Church and the old pub still remain.