Pensioners are being invited to share their memories of one of Merseyside’s most significant landmark moments – the opening of the first Mersey Tunnel.

On July 18, 1934, more than 200,000 people gathered at the Old Haymarket to watch King George V and Queen Mary officially open the 3.24km Queensway Tunnel.

Now Merseytravel wants to hear from anyone who walked through the tunnel that day; watched the royal proceedings from the side-lines, or was perhaps a member of the construction team that built the engineering marvel.

A series of activities is planned to mark the occasion, including special tunnel tours and an exhibition.

Frank Rogers, Merseytravel’s deputy chief executive, said: "I'm Liverpool born and bred, and the history of the Queensway Tunnel has always fascinated me.

“As a feat of engineering, Queensway is truly special.

"The foresight of someone in the 1920s, creating a road tunnel that can stand the demands of 21st-Century traffic, is an inspiration. It was built without many of the technical aids taken for granted today. Yet the Queensway was superbly engineered and it’s something to be celebrated.”

As part of the celebrations, Merseytravel is offering 80 free places on its unique tunnel tours on July 17 and July 19, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at how the tunnel works and how it was constructed.

Merseytravel chairman Cllr Liam Robinson said: "We'll be bringing some of the history back to life during this key anniversary and giving people a taster of all the work that goes into keeping the tunnel efficient and safe as a key transport route.

“We’d really like people to come along and join in the celebrations. If you have any memories we’d love you to share them with us.”

If you have any memories you’d like to share, contact Merseytravel’s Communications Team Communications@merseytravel.gov.uk or post to Corporate Communications, Merseytravel Head Office, PO BOX 1976, Liverpool, L69 3HN.