A MEMORIAL plaque honouring a canteen that served war-time heroes in Upton will be re-dedicated in a ceremony taking place on Sunday.

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 will be re-dedicated during a ceremony at Upton Victory Hall as part of an open day taking place tomorrow.

The event, running from 11am to 4pm, will also feature demonstrations and have-a-go sessions led by Victory Hall's sports teams including bowls, croquet and tennis as well as stalls and raffles.

A café will be open serving cream teas and other refreshments, and there will be 1940s-themed music to soundtrack the day.

The re-dedication ceremony is due to be conducted by the mayor, Cllr Les Rowlands at 11.30am.

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.