A MEMORIAL plaque honouring a canteen that served war-time heroes in Upton has been re-dedicated in a ceremony at the weekend.

Wirral Globe: Marie Perlaki and Ann Balgobin. Picture by Geoff Davies.

SAMS Canteen operated throughout the Second World War, feeding billeted soldiers, airmen, marines and sailors (SAMS) who were stationed at Upton Army Camp in Greenbank, and at the vast tented camps in Arrowe Park.

After the war ended, a plaque was placed in Upton Victory Hall to commemorate the work that was carried out to support servicemen.

It was re-dedicated during a ceremony at Upton Victory Hall as part of an open day on Sunday.

The event also featured demonstrations and have-a-go sessions led by Victory Hall's sports teams including bowls, croquet and tennis as well as stalls and raffles.

The re-dedication ceremony was conducted by the mayor, Cllr Les Rowlands.

Lauretta Radcliffe, executive committe chair of Upton Victory Hall, said: "We are proud of the dedication and support which was provided by the local community during the war years.

"The rededication of the plaque for SAMS Canteen will help us to remember those who gave so much to the war effort, in supporting the armed forces while they were in training and the wider local community."

The canteen opened in 1940 and was staffed by teams of volunteers from the Home Guard, Upton ladies and the Church Council.

A license was obtained to allow the Church Council to receive rationed food stuffs including tea, coffee, margarine, eggs and bacon.

By the end of July 1940 it had served its 1,000 customer, and was providing over 100 light meals and 150 drinks each day.

The former building of SAMS canteen stands on Rake Lane in Upton and was originally built as a village school in 1852.