NEWLY-discovered air raid shelters under a Wirral school will be reopened during a ceremony later this week.

The tunnels underneath Birkenhead High School Academy were originally opened in 1940.

They were paid for by parents to allow the return of girls who had been evacuated to Shrewsbury during World War II

Contained within the cramped, dimly-lit cold space was seating for around 150 pupils.

After war ended, the tunnels were closed but were recently unearthed as part of the school's refurbishment. 

They will be reopened by headteacher Chris Mann in front of invited guests during a special ceremony on Friday.

The tunnels will be open to the public at a later date.

Nicky Collins, project manager for Reliving The Blitz told the Globe: "The school knew the shelters were there, but the only way we could see them was by drilling in through the top and sending a camera down.

"What we saw was an amazing space that had been left very much as it was on the day it was closed.

"We hope it will give visitors a flavour of what life was like for those who spent time down there during the war."

Wirral Globe:

Nicky Collins at the tunnels' entrance today. Picture: Paul Heaps

Among entertainment on Friday will be speeches from Mrs Mann and a Winston Churchill impersonator.

Students and staff will also be a drama re-enactment and performances of songs that got Britain through the Second World War, including Now is the Hour and The White Cliffs of Dover.

Wirral Globe:

Nicky Collins in the tunnel today. Picture: Paul Heaps

Nicky continued: "We've recorded Wirral people's memories of World War Two and these will be played on a PA system in the tunnel.

"We've also got a school history book with a picture of girls sitting in the tunnel. The photograph has been enlarged into an image that will be on display at one end of the tunnel."

Wirral Globe:

One of the exhibits awaiting air raid shelter visitors. Picture: Paul Heaps

The rennovation was made possible thanks to an £81,000 Heritage Lottery grant.

Nicky said: "I think one of the things that helped us with our application for funding was that we had colour footage of the tunnel's opening in 1940.

"This had been taken on cine camera and is now on permanent display at the Imperial War Museum, but we have permission to use it whenever we want."