AN open day at Drakelow Tunnels in the Kingsford Country Park north of Kidderminster raised £275 for Midlands Air Ambulance.

More than 100 members of the public toured the bunkers, which were originally constructed to house a Rover shadow factory to build Merlin engines and other aero parts during the Second World War, and money raised was donated to the regional charity.

A team of 16 volunteers showcased renovation work completed over the past four years to the visitors on Sunday, September 14.

Michael Scott, a member of the voluntary team, said: “We had people of all ages attend including many inquisitive children from all over the UK.

“Everyone showed a great interest in the history and how we were working to save the site.

“After we took vital money from the ticket sales to put towards the renovation of the tunnels we were able to donate approximately £275 to the Midlands Air Ambulance which does not get any government or national lottery funding and its main funding source is from public donations.”

Adam Williams, fundraising manager for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said: “We are extremely blessed to have such a terrific level of support from the local communities we serve and are very grateful to the organisers of the open day at Drakelow Tunnels for the donation, which will pay for a paramedics flight suit.”