HUNDREDS of local schoolchildren have soaked up lots of historical facts during visits to Brixham Battery.

The heritage museum welcomed more than 200 pupils through its gates in November, who were given tours of the newly restored harbour defence pill-box bunker and the 30m-long underground tunnel and war rooms.

Battery chairman Phil Trayhorn said: "Children from Eden Park, Chestnut and Galmpton primary schools spent hours working through their curriculum questions with our steward and guides.

"Veteran soldiers, airmen, sailors and evacuees were able to give insights into what life was like for both service personnel and civilians during the dark days of the Second World War.

"We not only opened the underground tunnel and war shelter rooms for the children but also opened the completely restored harbour defence pill-box that now is back as it was in 1940 following years of dereliction.

"Letters received from the children thanked us for 'filling their brains up with lots of Second World War facts' and letting them explore the tunnel."

The battery is open free to visitors every Sunday, Monday and Friday from 2pm to 4pm.

The charity is holding a fundraising coffee morning, complete with carol singing by Kingswear Village Choir, Ella's Angels, at the Methodist Community Hall, Fore Street, Brixham on Saturday, December 11 from 10am to noon.

Proceeds will go towards the battery's war shelter restoration appeal.