VISITORS to Yelverton's world war two airfield last weekend had the opportunity to see inside the air-raid shelter in the dispersal bay that the RAF Harrowbeer Interest Group (HIG) has been busy restoring.

The shelter had been sealed for more than 50 years until it was re-opened in time for the 70th anniversary celebrations in August.

HIG member Stephen Fryer said: 'In the past, when taking groups on tours of the airfield, we were repeatedly asked if one of the dispersal bays was ever going to be opened. This year, as it was the 70th anniversary of the airfield opening, it seemed like the right time to try.

'Maristow Estate, Dartmoor National Park and the Commoners were all in favour and it took us about six months of hard work to clear the undergrowth, grass and earth from the bay and to remove the rubble from the air-raid shelter's sealed entrances. Gates were supplied and fitted with help from a local company and a grant from West Devon Borough Council.

'There is still some work left to do as there are some leaks to the structure but we have been overwhelmed by the amount of interest shown by visitors, which really makes all the efforts of our members worthwhile.

'We will be opening it to the public again in the future, but groups can have a tour of the airfield and see the shelter if they get in touch with us through our website and we also continue to give regular talks on the airfield.'

Further details and photographs of the work are available on the Harrowbeer Interest Group website at http://www.rafharrowbeer.co.uk">www.rafharrowbeer.co.uk