St Giles is opened on an occasional basis

The village of Imber on Salisbury Plain was evacuated 60 years ago so allied troops could train for the assault on Europe.

A few of the villagers who in 1943 were suddenly told they had to pack up and leave were among those attending the service in St Giles church.

When Imber was requisitioned by the War Office many people left their homes intact - down to tinned food in larders.

Memorial stone

The village appears on few maps and has long had its road signs removed.

The service was organised by the Friends of Imber and carols were sung in the church for the first time since 1942.

The Grade I listed building, which has no electricity, heating or water supply, was lit by candlelight for the occasion.

A memorial stone was dedicated at the nearby Baptist graveyard.

Campaigners want St Giles, the only building at Imber not owned by the Ministry of Defence, to be preserved and kept open to the public whenever possible.